Workplace Complaints

Working in agriculture is a very important job that deals with people either directly or indirectly. Many agricultural jobs such as extension or education deals directly with people. Other jobs such as beef producers may be more indirectly related to people. Whether or not these jobs directly or indirectly with people people that have these jobs must be able to correctly handle workplace complaints. This picture from
Cartoon Stock makes fun of the fact that people will complain about anything.

Many people in the agriculture industry have problems handling issues because they are unsure how to handle complaints. According to Management Issues managers will face the problem of people asking them to fix problems that they may not be able to fix. Management issues gives several suggestions on how to deal with complaints. First you should be aware of privacy and confidentiality for both you and the person with the complaint. Secondly you should set boundaries, if the person passes those boundaries then you should refer them to another person who could help them.  Another source that gives good advice on how to handle conflict is The Art of Leadership. This book gives several bullet points which include keep calm, listen patiently without interrupting, accept their point of view, ask questions, fully discuss solutions, reach closure, and follow through.

By following these rules, agriculture manager can  address complaints and follow through to find a solution to the issue. With courses in leadership and classes on how to properly deal with conflict managers can make the work place a better environment. Workers that are happy and without conflict are more productive and easier to manage.