Rajeshwari Banda, Alexandria Coon, Maria Valles, Lisabeth Jeffries, Stephen R. Brockelman
LDR/531
October 22, 2014
Michael Sawyer
Introduction
Conflict is something that is bound to happen even with groups, family and friends. Understanding what causes conflict and ways to resolve conflict are important for relationships, especially in business. Communication styles, barriers and the conflict and negotiation process involved are important in handling the three situations that were presented in each storybook. The three storybooks this week help to provide guidance on conflict resolution.
Being Vague
When a team member is being vague, he or she is causing …show more content…
Effective leaders utilize emotional appeal to assist in relaying messages or to inspire their following. In order to handle a team’s feelings after a negative situation, a leader must address the situation and acknowledge the fact that the group may have negative feelings as a result. If there are not any positive outcomes, the leader should make clear that it is acceptable to have negative feelings about the situation. Addressing these concerns, and refocusing the team to more positive topics or task related topics will provide an outlet, and structure in moving forward to accomplish their tasks.
The Workplace At times there are work situations where a negative message must be given. An example could be a downsizing to the company. Though there may seem like there is no good news that can come from this negative message you must always be a clear and strong leader for employees. Utilizing clear understanding of concerns and the uncertainty of the matter is helpful even if the future is on rocky ground. People want honestly and understanding if the economy is down and this is needed which has been done in real life most employees would rather be aware that this is occurring than feeling like managers and the company is hiding this negative news. Though the bright side maybe the company is still open and there is opportunity to return that is better than nothing in rough economic times. Using the conflict resolution skills with negative …show more content…
In the example of storybook three, a heated email discussion starts between team members John and Antonio about deadlines not being adhered to. Everyone on the team was copied on these emails. Part of this conflict arose due to personal variables, John and Antonio had conflicting personalities and values. They both had competing intentions and were trying to “win” the conflict. Robbins and Judge (2013) state that competing is “when one person seeks to satisfy his or her own interests regardless of the impact on the other parties to the conflict” (p. 453). There are different approaches that can be taken to deal with stress caused by deadlines. Some conflicts that occur can have a functional outcome, but in some cases intervention is needed before dysfunction results. The first action to take would be to negotiate. Integrative bargaining is a bargaining technique that allows for a win-win result. Integrative bargaining includes sharing information that allows for each party to help come up with mutually beneficial outcomes. If there is conflict about deadlines that lead to stress, it is best to communicate about the deadlines and the differences of opinion that led to tension. Allowing each party to clarify and justify their side, helps to share viewpoints and come together on issues. Bargaining and problem solving is the part of the negotiation process that requires both parties