This is a bad idea because it prohibits solving the problem; however, few people have the necessary skills to confront someone about his/her bad behavior without exacerbating the situation. So, Grenny offers the following six tips as a way to help:

• Talk face-to-face and in private. This may not be possible for telecommuters, but if it is, then it's a good idea to do so.
• Assume the best of others. People aren't always aware that they're doing something that is wrong or upsetting to others.
• Use tentative language. Grenny cautions against a verbal assault or tap dance around the issue and suggests prefacing the conversation with phrases like "I'm not sure you're intending this" or "I'm not even sure you're aware."
• Share facts not conclusions. It's better to simply state what the person is doing that's causing a problem than to sling unfounded accusations.
• Ask for their view. This opens the door to healthy conversation.
• Use equal treatment. Be equally respectful to direct reports and colleagues as to bosses.

Workplaces can be stressful in good times as well as bad. It's important to approach people quickly and clamly when they start behaving badly in order to preserve a pleasant work environment and to get a problem solved before it escalates and possibly costs someone his/her job.