Resolving CONFLICTS

Your actions in resolving conflicts will demonstrate to top management how good you are as a problem-solver, negotiator and leader.

            Most conflicts result from misunderstandings. Many conflicts originate from arrogance, complacency and poor communication.

            A good leader doesn’t try to eliminate conflicts but tries to keep them from wasting the energy and the time of others.

            Five of the best steps to resolve conflicts

*Analyse the  situation

            Find out what’s the real problem. There may be historic or personal considerations. Personal conflicts can be a major consideration.

            Don’t rush from defining the problem into solving it.       

* What are the alternatives?

            There are many ways to resolve conflicts.

            Generate a list of possible options. 

* Select the best option

            Look for the best option for this situation. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages.

            Ask; “What if we do this or that?”

* Action Stations!

            Make a plan. Set up a time table of steps to be taken.

            List the actions to be taken and who is responsible for each step. When must they be completed?

            Set up reporting and deadline dates.

* Evaluate the actions taken

            What did we do right? What did we do wrong? Why did things fail? How can we do better next time?

Geoffrey Moss (mossassociates.co.nz)

“Most conflicts occur when people see a situation differently from others.”

Source:  “Revitalise Your Business. Guidelines for new leader-managers” and “Secrets for New Managers”, first published by Moss Associates Ltd, New Zealand.  “Business Secrets” and “Secrets for New Managers” has been published by Cengage Learning, Asia. Also published by SE-EDUCATION in Thailand, ANE Books in India and by the Singapore Institute of Management.  Available as e-books from Amazon.com and VitalSource Bookshelf.