Scaramucci demonstrates the wrong way to handle conflict with co-workers

Scaramucci demonstrates the wrong way to handle conflict with co-workersScaramucci demonstrates the wrong way to handle conflict with co-workersWhite House communications director Anthony Scaramucci has only had the job for less than a week, but hes already making public enemies.After his government financial disclosure form appeared on Politico on Wednesday, Scaramucci didnt think the information was public knowledge, as Politico had reported. He immediately believed that the information must have been leaked and he vowed to find the leaker that night.Scaramucci already had an idea of who it might be- though no apparent proof- and he went public with his speculation.In a since-deleted tweet,Scaramucci said that he would be contacting federal authorities - specifically the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Department of Justice- to find the leaker and included the Twitter handle of White House chief of staff Reince Priebus. New Yorker writer Ryan Lizza confirmed that Scaramucc i meant to imply that Priebus was involved.Scaramucci has previously said that he and Priebus have been personal friends for six years who are a little bit like brothers, where we rough each other up a little, which is totally normal for brothers. But this latest public dispute appears to be more than a brotherly spat. Scaramucci later clarified that his tweet wasnt a direct attack at Priebus, but a public notice to leakers that all Sr Adm senior administration officials are helping to end illegal leaks.But he also ended that clarifying tweet by once more including the Twitter handle of Priebus.Theres lots to unpack here about Scaramuccis tweet and subsequent press tour. Whether youre a public servant to the U.S. government or an geschftszimmer worker, here are a few takeaways on how not to handle interpersonal conflict at work.1. Dont the FBIThis should go without saying, but please explore ways to solve your conflict without involving federal law enforcement. Start lower, like wi th maybe your manager or human resources.2. Dont take it publicPeople loathe being publicly humiliated, and its a good way to make a permanent enemy. Tweeting at your superior in a negative post is like CCing your boss in an email insulting them. Not only is it extremely unprofessional to air your dirty laundry in public, it also sows conflict, confusion and chaos among your staff.According to some journalists, however, that may be exactly Scaramuccis goal.3. Dont make accusations without proofWhatever your chosen method of distribution for your grievances - whether it is social media (bad idea) or a private conversation - be responsible about your words. Dont air your heated suspicions about your colleague unless you can back them up with more than a hunch. When you get the proof and can show the result, then you go to higher powers.So far, its unclear if the release of Scaramuccis disclosure forms was actually illegal. Politico said it obtained the documents because it was publi cly available upon request. Under federal law, its okay to request to read such a report 30 days after its been filed. That forced Scaramucci to delete his explosive tweet, which made him look confused and unreliable.The big takeaway? Dont make accusations you cant back up. It hurts your reputation and opens you up to contempt, much like the fierce public mockery Scaramucci has faced since waging his war against Priebus.4. Dont make it personalScaramuccis subtle and not-so-subtle jabs at Priebus go beyond attacks on his colleagues ability to do his job. They are direct attacks on Priebus character. The day after he implied Priebus was a felon, Scaramucci let the accusation hang without clearing it up.When I put out a tweet and I put Reinces name in a tweet, theyre all making the assumption that its him because journalists know who the leakers are, Scaramucci said in a CNN bewerberinterview Thursday. So if Reince wants to explain hes not a leaker, let him do that. But let me tell you about myself. Im a straight shooter and Ill go right to the heart of the matter.Implying that Reince is not a straight shooter is not a ringing endorsement of Priebuss character, and it makes an already messy situation messier and uglier. Appealing to the court of public opinion should be a last resort. Internal mediation between you and the co-worker causing you conflict should always come first.Whats the penalty if you dont follow these steps? Reputational harm. Scaramucci, after only one week in the job - and still without official clearance - has made his public image about infighting and treachery towards a colleague, rather than representing the Presidents position. Members of the media openly called his comments among the craziest they had ever seen in politics. Projecting insecurity and instability generally wont help you get your point across or get bigger assignments. Learning how to handle conflict calmly and effectively will go much further.