Business Education

How to Deal with Employees Who Don’t get Along

You may have some terrific employees who always deliver on their promises and go above and beyond expectations. They intuitively know where to pick up on certain projects and how to get the job done right. You wish that all your employees delivered the same high quality work, but you’re content that you have enough to really help make your company stand out.

There’s just one problem — they don’t get along. It’s a real shame, because when teamed up, they ostensibly could do so much more. However, putting them together in the same room sets off a series of bickering and arguments and the whole thing becomes counterproductive. So, how do you deal with employees who don’t get along but are otherwise great assets to your company?

Disagreement Can be a Good Thing

While you’d like everyone to get along and work in harmony, you’ve got to remember that differences of opinion can be quite helpful. Call it devil’s advocate or thinking outside the box, but whatever it is, it can help you see certain things you would not otherwise consider. After all, different perspectives can help stir creativity and lean to solutions that you wouldn’t have thought of before.

Managers face a sticky problem when confronted with two adults in the same office who won’t get along. The tension between the two employees affects their work as well as the work of others in close proximity to their conflict. Employees become stressed because just coming into the office feels uncomfortable. —The Balance Careers

Disagreement can even lead to resolving issues that previously could not be solved. Sometimes, revisiting old problems can help people see others points of view and they become friends as a result, with a good working relationship. Of course, this magical moment doesn’t always happen, and it’s much more common than employees hold on to their differences instead of putting them aside to work together without strife.

How to Deal with Employees Who Don’t get along

The one thing you can’t do is ignore it and let the conflict fester. It will only worsen and that will eventually cause it to spread to other people. It could easily destroy company-wide morale. So, deal with it right away, by doing the following:

Meet one-on-one. This is a great way to learn about the conflict from each person’s perspective. It will also give you a sense of where each individual is coming from. Plus, it will help you identify the real source of the problem.
Meet together. After you have a better understanding of what’s going on, then you can meet together. Then, take the time to go over what each said to you separately and ask if what you recapped is a fair assessment. If so, you can work out one or more solutions.
Follow-up regularly thereafter. Of course, you can’t just assume that will fix the situation for good. You’ll need to follow-up with both parties and do so routinely (at least for the foreseeable future).
Be prepared to take additional action. It’s quite possible you’ll need to take more action. (It could even result in dismissing one or both of them. Or, some form of discipline, if necessary.) Should you need to devote more time, then it is definitely worth asking yourself if it’s worthwhile or descending into an unnecessary distraction.

What other suggestions do you have for dealing with employees who don’t get along? Please take a moment to share your thoughts and experiences by commenting and giving others something to consider.

Interested in learning more about business? Then just visit Waters Business Consulting Group.

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Business Owners: Want to Win More Bids? Ditch the Lowest Price Strategy Now!

May 15, 2025 No Comments

Tired of losing bids despite offering the lowest price? It’s time to rethink your strategy. Savvy business owners are winning more contracts by focusing on value, not just cost, and this gives them a key advantage in today’s super-competitive market. Below, we’ll look into why ditching the race to the bottom could be your key to securing more deals and boosting profits. Winning Contract Bids Without the Lowest Price: Smart Strategies for Business Owners For many business owners, securing a contract bid is a critical step toward growth and stability. But when competitors undercut your pricing, it can feel like an uphill battle. Fortunately, winning a bid isn’t just about having the lowest price—it’s about demonstrating unmatched value, reliability, and expertise. Here are the smartest strategies business owners can use to beat out competitors—even when they can’t offer the lowest price. 1. Highlight Your Unique Value Proposition Instead of competing on price, compete on value. What makes your business unique? Whether it’s exceptional service, proprietary methods, superior materials, or long-term cost savings, make sure your bid clearly communicates why you’re the best choice. 2. Focus on Quality and Longevity Some clients prefer reliability over rock-bottom pricing. If your product or service lasts longer, requires less maintenance, or improves efficiency, quantify that value. For example, a higher upfront investment in your service may reduce operational costs down the line—making your bid the smarter financial choice in the long run. 3. Showcase a Strong Track Record Clients want assurance that their investment won’t go to waste. Use testimonials, case studies, and historical data to prove that your company delivers results. Highlight successful projects, positive customer feedback, and retention rates that demonstrate your reliability and excellence. 4. Offer Customization and Flexibility Many companies struggle with one-size-fits-all solutions. If your competitors are bidding with generic offerings, showcase how your business tailors services to client needs. Providing custom options, phased implementations, or adaptable contracts can make you the preferred choice. 5. Strengthen Your Relationship with Decision-Makers Building strong relationships can significantly impact contract decisions. Engage with prospective clients before the bid process, understand their pain points, and position yourself as a trusted partner—not just a vendor. Personal connections and a reputation for integrity can make your proposal more appealing. 6. Provide Exceptional Customer Service A client’s experience matters just as much as the service itself. If you’ve built a reputation for responsive, personalized customer care, highlight it in your bid. Show how your customer-first approach helps clients avoid headaches down the road. 7. Offer Value-Added Incentives You may not be the cheapest option, but adding extras can sweeten the deal. Consider offering extended warranties, priority support, free training, or additional consulting as part of your bid package. Small enhancements can make a significant impact in the decision-making process. 8. Be Transparent About ROI Clients want to know why they should pay more. Break down the long-term return on investment (ROI) in clear numbers, showing that your offering delivers better results, fewer risks, and overall savings despite a higher initial cost. 9. Strengthen Your Proposal Presentation A well-crafted, professional bid stands out. Avoid generic templates—customize your proposal to address the client’s specific pain points. Use compelling visuals, clear data, and a persuasive narrative to make your case stronger than price alone. 10. Optimize Your Reputation in the Industry Your credibility matters. Industry awards, certifications, expert endorsements, and strong reviews enhance your perceived value. If your company has a respected name in the market, leverage it in your bid to strengthen your position. Winning Without Undercutting Prices Your ability to win bids without being the cheapest depends on how well you communicate your business’s strengths and advantages. Price may be a factor, but it’s not the only factor. With a strategic approach that highlights reliability, quality, and added value, your business can secure contracts while maintaining profitable pricing. Want to Accomplish More? Do you want your company to grow faster and earn more while spending more time with your family doing everything you started your business to do? We can make that dream a reality. Give us 30 minutes, and we will show you how to get your life back. Skeptical? Good! Put us to the test. You can call us for your free appointment at 480-636-1720, or, if you prefer,

What Is Influencer Marketing and How Can It Help Small Businesses on Small Budgets

March 1, 2024 No Comments

What Is Influencer Marketing and How Can It Help Small Businesses on Small Budgets? Influencer marketing has become an essential part of the marketing landscape in recent years. It’s a powerful marketing approach that allows businesses to reach their target audience in a uniquely authentic way. So, read on and we’ll take a few moments to explore what influencer marketing is and how it can help small businesses on small budgets. What Is Influencer Marketing? Influencer marketing is a form of marketing where brands partner with influential individuals to promote their products or services. Most of the time, these influencers have a significant following on social media platforms and can help businesses reach their target audience more effectively. However, influencers aren’t just found among such individuals – they are also everyday people. Influencer marketing can take many forms, from sponsored posts to product reviews and giveaways. The key to successful influencer marketing is to find the right influencers for your brand and to build a relationship with them. In other words, someone who is a respected member of your community and someone who others trust. So, just about anyone with a good reputation who is also outgoing. For instance, volunteer coaches for kids’ sports leagues, parishioners in a church, individuals who perform residential services, and so on. You likely know one or two, perhaps three or more people who fit this description. They’re well-liked, trustworthy, and have a good rapport with others. How Can Influencer Marketing Help Small Businesses on Small Budgets? Influencer marketing may sound super-expensive, but it can also be an affordable and effective way for small businesses to reach their target audience. You just have to know what you’re looking for and how to go about it smartly. So, here are some ways that influencer marketing can help small businesses on small budgets: Reach a targeted audience. By partnering with influencers who have a following in your niche, you can reach a highly targeted audience. This can be more effective than traditional advertising methods, which can be expensive and may not reach your target audience. Build brand awareness. Influencer marketing can help you build brand awareness by getting your products or services in front of a new audience. This can be especially helpful for small businesses that are just starting out and need to build a following. Boost credibility. When an influencer promotes your product or service, it can help to boost your credibility. This is because their followers trust their recommendations and are more likely to try your product or service if they see that the influencer has endorsed it. Cost-effective. Influencer marketing can be a cost-effective way to reach your target audience. Many influencers are willing to work with small businesses on small budgets, and the return on investment can be significant. Overall, influencer marketing is a powerful tool that can help small businesses on small budgets reach their target audience, build brand awareness, and boost credibility. By partnering with the right influencers and building a relationship with them, small businesses can see significant returns on their investment. Want to Accomplish More? Do you want your company to grow faster and earn more while you spend more time with your family doing all the things you started your business to do? We can make that dream a reality. Give us 30 minutes and we will show you how to get your life back. Skeptical? Good! Put us to the test. You can call us for your free appointment at 602-435-5474, or, if you prefer, send us an email. You can also visit us at Waters Business Consulting Group to learn more about us and the services we offer.

Ways Business Owners can Deal with Personal Crisis

May 18, 2017 No Comments

Entrepreneurs, by their very nature, are self-reliant. They set goals and achieve them with confidence. When a personal crisis strikes a business owner, it can be very damaging to their corporate environment and even its micro-culture. Suddenly, the dynamics change and can lead to irreparable harm. We’ve all heard the advice not to bring personal problems into professional space, but, some are so large they have a nearly uncontrollable effect. It’s best to bring the situation into perspective, but, doing so might be difficult to accomplish. Ways Business Owners can Deal with Personal Crisis In some instances, it’s possible to prepare a business for a crisis. When it’s impending and inevitable, business owners should prepare by speaking with their team members about delegating and assigning responsibilities, seek legal advice (if applicable), and focus on what’s most important. There will be difficulty in maintaining balance but by being proactive, you’ll have less to worry about. Eventually it happens to the best of us. Something occurs in our personal lives that is so devastating, we have difficulty concentrating at work. It may be the death of a loved one, a divorce, a financial crisis, or serious damage to our homes. When our personal lives are in chaos, it can be hard to focus and get what we need to do done. —Inc.com Unfortunately, it’s often the case that a personal crisis strikes without warning. When it does occur, it can be very burdensome to get through. Even the toughest entrepreneurs will have difficulty trying to deal with upset in their personal lives while continuing to run their businesses. Here are some ways business owners can deal with a personal crisis: Outsource and be willing to ask for assistance. It’s okay to let go and farm-out work during turbulent times, especially if you’re having trouble staying focused and concentrating. Also, there’s no shame asking for assistance from your team — it’s actually a smarter choice. Be upfront with customers. As soon as possible, let your clients know about the situation. You don’t have to go into details, but you ought to alert them to what’s going on, particularly if you’re not able to work as usual. You’ll find most to be understanding and that helps to give you some peace-of-mind. Surround yourself with positive people. This is something that successful entrepreneurs naturally do but it’s very important when you’re going through tough times. Personally, I lean on others as well as my faith and prayer to shoulder the burdens of crisis. It’s uplifting and it can be a way to see the silver lining knowing others are walking with you. Give team members more flexibility. Your employees are huge assets to your business and during a personal crisis, can be the best go-to source for carrying-out day-to-day operations. Give them the flexibility that’s needed to keep your company running smoothly. Do not put undue pressure on yourself. If there’s one thing entrepreneurs struggle with, it’s the fear of not getting the job done. When you are dealing with personal issues, give yourself permission to lighten your workload. Take time to reflect on what’s most important. This is an ideal time to put everything in perspective. Give yourself time off and reflect on what’s truly important in your life. In addition to these, you should be honest with yourself about your life’s direction. Some business owners who experience a personal crisis use it as a learning tool advantageously, but others allow the event to cloud their judgment and make rash decisions. When you’re not thinking clearly, be willing and ready to ask for advice from someone you trust. In my life, I have found great opportunity comes from crisis because of my willingness to reflect and make changes. How have you overcome crisis and remained focused and successful with your business? Want to find out about what a business coach can do for you? [shareaholic app=”follow_buttons” id=”26833294″]