Everyone will eventually experience conflict in the workplace. You could possibly have disagreements with peers, employees or managers. As long as you are an individual with differing desires, values and personalities, you will encounter conflict.
If you are like most of us, you wish to avoid the tension and stress that conflict can bring. Conflict, in and of itself, is not bad. When handled correctly, conflict promotes a sense of teamwork and fosters professional and intellectual growth.
Conflict can however, negatively affect the productivity of teams and destroy work relationships. The outcome of conflict is based purely on the way the conflict is managed. Constructive conflict management is based on asynchronous communication and the expression of feelings. Minority Career News (MCN) has prepared a series of Conflict Management Readers Workshops that will be presented in the next three issues. These Readers Workshops will contain brief activities and assessment charts that will guide you through the Conflict Management Process. Upon completion of these workshops the reader will be able to improve their conflict management skills by:
· Providing a positive conflict resolution environment
· Utilizing effective conflict resolution techniques
· Turning arguments into productive brainstorming sessions
An effective way to assess your conflict management skills is to take this skills test twice. The first assessment should reflect how you perceive you would react in a conflict situation. The second assessment should be taken as soon as possible after you have encountered a conflict situation. This will reflect how you actually react. If you are really serious about improving your skills have a co-worker or friend to use this assessment to evaluate their perception of how you handle conflict situations.
Read the questions below. Indicate whether you:
Always perform an item,
Often perform an item,
Sometimes perform an item, or
Never perform an item.
I evaluate conflict situations to determine what the root cause of the conflict is about.
When I have a different opinion from others, I try to understand and respect their opinion.
I refrain from discussing conflicting opinions when emotions are flared.
I allow other people to discuss their views, feelings and desires without interrupting.
During conflict situations, I employ good listening skills.
I monitor my body language and tone of voice to avoid miscommunication.
I avoid sarcasm during discussions.
Assign:
4 points for each "always"
3 points for each "often"
2 points for each "sometimes"
1 point for each "never"
28 - 26 You are a excellent manager of conflict.
25 - 23 You could improve your skills.
23 or less You need a conflict management over haul.
Next month, MCN will focus the Conflict Management Readers Workshop on providing a positive conflict resolution environment.
MCN Staff