Resolving  DIFFERENCES

Conflicts often occur when some people see a situation differently from others. Most differences and conflicts result from misunderstandings and misinterpretations.

        A good leader doesn’t try to eliminate differences but tries to keep them from wasting time, the energy and the concentration of the teams.

Five of the best ways to resolve differences

* Analyze the situation

        When a conflict arises look for the reasons behind the situation. Often what at first appears to be the cause may not be the real cause. Ask; ‘what’, ‘why’, ‘how’, ‘who’, ‘when’, and ‘how much questions’.  

          Define the conflict from both sides. Be honest and frank with people. Emphasize concerns and points of agreement. What was the real cause of the conflict? Often personality differences may be the real cause.

        State what you believe to be the differences. Keep cool and concentrate. Never forget anger is one letter short of DANGER!

* List solutions and discuss alternatives

        There are many ways to resolve differences and conflicts. Generate a list of possible options.

        Take each alternative and ask “What if we do this or that?” Discuss the advantages and disadvantages.

* Be prepared to find the middle ground

        Be prepared to compromise and give up something to achieve satisfactory results for both sides.

* Call for action

        Plan the action and the sequence required to implement it. Who does what by when?

                Break big issues into workable components.

        Give people a written list of their responsibilities and tasks. State when should they be done.

* Periodically discuss progress

        Evaluate progress from time to time.

        Make any changes if desired.

        Deal with minor disagreements quickly. “A small leak can sink a large ship.”

-Geoffrey Moss (mossassociates.co.nz)

“Avoid angry conflicts. Be prepared to accept compromise, to win some battles and lose others  – gracefully.”

Source: “Revitalise YOUR Business. Guidelines for new leader-managers”,  First published in New Zealand, then by the Singapore Institute of Management, by Cengage Learning Asia, McGraw-Hill, Australia and in Thai by Se-Education, Bangkok. Available as an e-book from Amazon.com and the VitalSource Bookshelf.