The higher up any organisation you get, the more conflict resolution becomes your job.
Amateur sports club, local drama club, school governor, dental practice owner, CEO of large company (a friend of mine is one of these)
You can't resolve conflict by taking sides, that would create conflict. When confronted with a situation which requires conflict resolution there are several steps to assist in reaching an acceptable outcome for all parties.
1. Before you take any action in the position of authority within the organisation which you hold, gather as much information as you possibly can from all parties.
2. Take this information and 'walk round the perspex box' as Edward de Bono puts it. Look at the problem in the middle and see if from everybody's angle.
3. Suggest methods of compromise that involve everyone 'giving a little' including yourself.
4. Await to see the outcome and repeat if necessary.
This won't always work but it will work a lot more than listening to one person and acting, that would be called taking sides and would provoke a fight.
Blog Post Number: 1077
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