How to Tell Your Boss About A Conflict Within the Workplace: An Email Template

Conflict in the workplace is never easy to handle. You’ve done your best to deal with it yourself, but it’s gotten to the point now where you have no other option but to tell your manager. But how do you do this? 

This is the sort of discussion that absolutely needs to happen face-to-face. But it’s best to send your boss a brief email to set up a time to chat. Use this template to send your boss a diplomatic and professional heads up about the situation. 

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Subject line

Are you free for a chat next week?

Body

Hi Emma,

I was wondering whether you had 15 minutes for a chat sometime next week.

There have been some ongoing issues in my team/department, and despite my best efforts to resolve them, it’s reached a point where I’d greatly appreciate your input and guidance.

As I am sure you can understand, these sorts of issues can be delicate and I believe that it would be best to discuss this in person.

Please let me know what day and time works best for you, and I’ll send a meeting request through.

Best regards,

[Your name] 

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Got another tough work email to write? Here are 10 pre-written templates for even the most difficult work emails.