Strategies for Resolving Conflict
Conflict is inevitable; even though some conflict can be good most of the time other times it can be harmful to a team. By definition conflict is any situation in which incompatible goals, cognitions, or emotions within or between individuals or groups that lead to opposition or antagonistic interactions. Conflict can be damaging but with the right skills and the ability to resolve it, it can be beneficial to the team (Bowes, 2008).
Many people try to avoid conflict at all costs, but avoiding conflict will not make it go away. Some people see shades of gray or different perspectives of issues more easily and readily than others. Those who see issues as black or white and who do not see gray tones, often find it difficult to understand a different point of view or a different perspective on a topic(Porter,2003). Some people will notice conflict but choose not to do anything about it, they may believe that if they ignore it that it will go away. Most of the time however, the situation gets worse (Mcnamara, 2003).
Any type of conflict can be a challenge but understanding the nature and causes of the conflict then applying effective strategies to resolving the conflict can benefit everyone(Bowes, 2008). The 4 main causes of conflict in a workplace are:
Different interests and goals- a goal for one individual may be quality while another personal goal may be speed. Both are valid goals but they conflict and could cause problems among members of a team.
Conflicting personal values- Our personal values help us determine what a person may feel is important such as our religious and political beliefs. This causes people to form cliques which can cause work relationships to become disjointed.
Interpersonal styles- shape how people view things. Some people may be open minded and open to change while others are more narrow minded and against change. Either way conflict is sure to arise.
Conflict Management Styles- Conflicting management styles could cause problems
Many people try to avoid conflict at all costs, but avoiding conflict will not make it go away. Some people see shades of gray or different perspectives of issues more easily and readily than others. Those who see issues as black or white and who do not see gray tones, often find it difficult to understand a different point of view or a different perspective on a topic(Porter,2003). Some people will notice conflict but choose not to do anything about it, they may believe that if they ignore it that it will go away. Most of the time however, the situation gets worse (Mcnamara, 2003).
Any type of conflict can be a challenge but understanding the nature and causes of the conflict then applying effective strategies to resolving the conflict can benefit everyone(Bowes, 2008). The 4 main causes of conflict in a workplace are:
Different interests and goals- a goal for one individual may be quality while another personal goal may be speed. Both are valid goals but they conflict and could cause problems among members of a team.
Conflicting personal values- Our personal values help us determine what a person may feel is important such as our religious and political beliefs. This causes people to form cliques which can cause work relationships to become disjointed.
Interpersonal styles- shape how people view things. Some people may be open minded and open to change while others are more narrow minded and against change. Either way conflict is sure to arise.
Conflict Management Styles- Conflicting management styles could cause problems