Conflict Happens. Don’t Hide Behind a Screen.

Conflict is never one-size-fits-all.

As a parent, business owner, account manager, and sales guy, I deal with conflict in all shapes and sizes. And I’ve learned the way you handle it depends entirely on the situation.

How I navigate conflict with my kids or their school? Way different than how I handle a disagreement between a client and a candidate.

Just this week, we had a situation at my daughter’s school. If you’ve ever dealt with a six-year-old, you know they’ll tell you their version. The teacher? They’ve got their own take. And most of the time, the truth lives somewhere in the middle.

Same thing happens in staffing.

We’ve had candidates who are doing great on the job—but something gets flagged on the client side. Or vice versa. The key? Talk to both sides. Listen. And remember: the full picture usually isn’t found in just one version of the story.

It’s not about taking sides—it’s about seeking truth, staying calm, and solving problems like a pro.

That’s where trust is built.

How to Handle Conflict (Without Becoming a Keyboard Warrior)

Conflict is inevitable—in life, in business, in parenting, in sales. It’s not about if it happens, but how you handle it that really matters.

Here’s my simple playbook:

✅ Pick up the phone. I know it’s tempting to fire off an email or vent through a message, but 9 times out of 10, the tone gets lost and things escalate. A real-time conversation builds understanding and diffuses tension fast.

✅ Talk to both sides. Whether it’s a client/candidate issue or something going on at home or school—I’ve found the truth is almost always somewhere in the middle. Don’t assume, don’t judge—ask questions and listen.

✅ Assume good intent. This one’s big. I truly believe most people are doing the best they can with the tools, time, and information they’ve got. Coming from that mindset helps keep the conversation respectful and productive.

✅ Keep the dialogue open. Even if things get tough, keep the door open. Progress and trust are built in ongoing conversation—not in silence or cutoffs.

Conflict handled the right way isn’t a roadblock—it’s an opportunity. To build stronger relationships. To grow. To lead.

We’re all human. Let’s treat each other that way.

The Effective Syndicate is a family of brands dedicated to supporting U.S. manufacturing by addressing the industry's unique challenges:

• The Effective Syndicate: Delivering expert consulting services in Lean Six Sigma, leadership development, and operational improvement to help manufacturing companies achieve sustainable growth and operational excellence.

• TES Recruiting: Connecting manufacturing companies with top-tier talent, from the shop floor to the C-suite.

• Swiftemp: Providing fast, reliable staffing solutions, specializing in temporary-to-hire roles for manufacturing and metal fabrication.

• GSD Manager Training: Empowering managers with practical, no-nonsense training to lead confidently, enhance productivity, and build stronger teams.

Together, we help U.S. manufacturing businesses thrive. Want to learn more? Check out our website! www.tes.run