Research has shown that over 65 percent of employee performance problems result from strained relationships rather than from deficiencies in skill levels or motivation. Supervisors who handle conflict in a timely and appropriate manner will improve performance and help lower turnover.

The four basic principles for dealing with conflict are:

1. Listen. Don't assume you understand the problem(s) involved with the employee - let them tell you. Hear both sides of the story before jumping to any conclusions.
   
2. Get the Facts. When employees are upset, they tend to describe their reasons in a vague manner. Ask for a description and details about specific events or behavior. Talk to as many persons involved as possible. Once the emotions are taken out, you should be left with the facts.

In the previous article I talked about potential ways that you could use LinkedIn.  In Part 2 I’m going to focus on a specific use today:  Using LinkedIn to enhance your networking.

The core of LinkedIn revolves around connecting to other business professionals, which is networking.  Networking exclusively on LinkedIn, though, ignores the human element of face to face interaction.  Understanding, once again that LinkedIn is a tool, how do you use it to enhance your other networking?