That information is stunning because it demonstrates need for pro-active communication and conflict management training in workplace. Equip yourself with these skills. They will be endlessly useful in all areas of your life. When I work on these skills with corporate groups, you can feel relief in air. Folks feel a greater sense of self-confidence when they have skills to confront difficulties. Makes sense, doesn't it? If your workplace is suffering, work with your employer to have issue recognized and addressed. Just one or two days of training can make an enormous difference.

Think of lack of productivity that stress of conflict creates. Who can attend to their work when they are concerned about possible confrontations, accusations or 'cold shoulders'? People have feelings. Feelings are powerful. Fear is one of most powerful, and that's what's showing up when you work in a tension-filled environment. There is enough tension in creativity and deadlines that normal, productive work creates. Who needs tension caused by fear, poor communication and small minds?

The first and most important thing to do is to exam your own behavior. How are you treating that person you perceive as difficult? Is there anything in your posture, facial expression or tone of voice that prevents friendly interaction? Often, when you have already decided that you don't like someone, or that they don't like you, that attitude is conveyed in your non-verbal communication. Work on yourself first.

Often, when I am consulting with a company or team, hew and cry is "The company/ management does not do enough for me/us." This may certainly be true, however, my first question is opposite, 'What are you doing for company/management?'. That's way equation works best. You give and then you get. Strangely, that's way it works best in any relationship. Have you noticed that?

What you pay attention to expands. If you are focused on what you think you are not getting, that overshadows everything. Attitudes shift and conversations turn into whining sessions. Soon, morale dips and everyone is complaining. Often, complaints have grown completely out of proportion and no one remembers why they were attracted to company in first place.

You can change this. Be a 'value-added' employee. Build your strengths rather than focusing on company weaknesses. What a concept! You choose your focus and attitude. You choose how you use your time. You choose your perceptions and perspectives. Use that power to become 'value-added'!

Now, I'm not talking about giving 'til it hurts. No, I'm talking about way you use your energy to focus on your career path. Sure, there are employers who devour employees and spit them out spent, burned out and disillusioned. They exist. If you're working for one of those...and examine it carefully to be sure...move on.