Conflict Resolution
Conflict can exact a steep price both financially and emotionally. Financially conflict can reduce productivity and quality of work. Emotionally it takes its toll on employee engagement, personal and business relationships, and even physical health. Conflict prevention and resolution can reduce the financial and emotional expense of unresolved conflict.
"Every conflict we face in life is rich with positive and negative potential. It can be a source of inspiration, enlightenment, learning, transformation, and growth–or rage, fear, shame, entrapment, and resistance. The choice is not up to our opponents, but to us, and our willingness to face and work through them."
Kenneth Cloke and Joan Goldsmith
Kenneth Cloke and Joan Goldsmith
Conflict is Normal
No two people have the same world view or paradigms. We each develop our view of what is "right" or "wrong” based on our beliefs, values, experience, and knowledge. As a result we often find ourselves in conflict with others.
Everyone experiences conflict in both their personal and work lives. Conflicts come in all shapes and sizes:
¨ There's not enough...stuff, time, money, people, space...
¨ A teenager wants a later curfew.
¨ EEO and other workplace complaints.
¨ A neighbor's dog barking in the wee hours of the morning.
¨ Child custody and property settlement agreements.
¨ A team member who consistently misses deadlines.
¨ Choosing a methodology for a project.
¨ A student is bullied at school.
¨ Tenant and Property owner disputes about—security deposits, property damage, pets, etc..
Everyone experiences conflict in both their personal and work lives. Conflicts come in all shapes and sizes:
¨ There's not enough...stuff, time, money, people, space...
¨ A teenager wants a later curfew.
¨ EEO and other workplace complaints.
¨ A neighbor's dog barking in the wee hours of the morning.
¨ Child custody and property settlement agreements.
¨ A team member who consistently misses deadlines.
¨ Choosing a methodology for a project.
¨ A student is bullied at school.
¨ Tenant and Property owner disputes about—security deposits, property damage, pets, etc..
Conflict can be positive
When people are able to respectfully work through their differences and issues with one another they are able to:
- Create strong, trusting relationships in their personal and professional lives.
- Transform conflict into collaborative problem solving.
- Repair damaged relationships.
- Enhance their own and others work performance.
- Reduce bcikering, gossiping and other stressful behaviors.