![]() What is Conflict Management? Conflict Management is a fancy word consultants use to give meaning to your drama in the office. We don’t live in a utopian society; therefore conflict will always exist, especially at work. Most of us spend more time running around the office surrounded by dozens of personalities. It’s inevitable conflict will arise in the office, but what do you do about it? How do you handle it? Conflicts appear in different forms. A lot of the time we’re trying to manage our self-awareness and biases. When someone doesn’t believe the same thing YOU believe, we go into defense mode or create a resistance towards that person. When working in a team environment, this type of “internal” conflict will damage the team dynamics if not resolved. The team will eventually dismantle and no one will know why, or like most instances, point fingers. Before diving into resolving conflict, you must take the baby steps. First, you need to learn about YOUR style for handling conflict. Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Mode Instrument The Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Mode Instrument is the guru assessment for figuring out your most natural method to manage conflict. The assessment gives you insight into your style of conflict resolution and the best uses for each style. There is no “right” style, but there’s a time and a place to use each style productively and efficiently. Assertiveness vs. Cooperativeness: Take a moment and consider the disagreements and misunderstandings that have occurred at work. What actions, procedures and processes were taken to resolve the problem? What about the situation was comfortable to you? What was uncomfortable? Do you think your actions were leaning towards Assertiveness or Cooperativeness? Your conflict engagement (or lack of engagement) is divided into two opposing sides. Assertiveness and Cooperativeness; depending on where you land on that scale, you will be able to gain a better understanding of your style and approach to conflict. 5 Conflict StylesHow to Manage Conflict in the workplace: After completing your baby steps to learn more about YOUR style, let’s practice. Depending on your “go to” method of managing conflict will influence your management style. Learning more about each style will increase your awareness and ability to change your style based on the relationship and issue at stake. Most of us have a style we feel most comfortable using, so when a conflict arises, we will immediately lean into that one style. This could cause damages on so many levels if the situation does not call for that style. 5 Key Skills to Managing the Drama at Work: 1. Get a grip! Begin to practice self-awareness and self-management.
2. Listen to understand, not to answer or respond.
3. Ask open-ended questions.
4. Establish clarity.
5. Gain commitment.
-VP
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May 2017
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