Overcoming a CONFLICT

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

A handful of tips to resolve a conflict

* Analyse the situation

        Find out what’s the real problem. Personal conflicts, or dislikes, can be a major consideration.

There may be historic or personal events to consider.  

        Don’t rush from defining the problem into trying to solve it. Take your time and consider alternatives.

* What are the alternatives?

        There are many ways to resolve conflicts.

        Generate a list of possible options. Look for appropriate options for this situation.

        Try talking through the situation with a neutral party to gain a different perspective.

* Select the best option

        Discuss the advantages and the disadvantages.

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

* Make a plan  

         Set up a time table of  steps to be taken.

        List the actions to be taken.

        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, or succeed? How can we do better next time?

Geoffrey Moss (mossassociates.co.nz)

“^{Most conflicts occur when some 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.

For those in need see our free book “NO JOB! : WHAT NOW? at mossassociates.co.nz