Handling DISAGREEMENTS –

        Most conflicts occur either when some people see a situation differently from others, or as a result of misunderstandings.

        Conflicts can originate from arrogance –  complacency and poor communication.

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

A Handful of Tips to help resolve  conflicts

* What is the real situation?

        Analyze the situation. Where possible, try to define the actual problem.  

        Personal conflicts, or dislikes, can often be behind a problem. 

        There may also be historic or personal events to consider.    

        Don’t rush from defining the problem to 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 

        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)

“Good leaders try to keep conflicts from wasting the energy and the time of 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” have been published by Cengage Learning, Asia. Also published by SE-EDUCATION in Thailand, ANE Books in India, and the Singapore Institute of Management.  Available as e-books from Amazon.com and VitalSource Bookshelf.