Please do not leave this page until complete. This can take a few moments.
Q. What to do when conflict shows its ugly face?
ACE Advises: The problem isn't that conflict is showing up, but that we may not know how to deal constructively with it when it does appear.
Conflict can mean people are thinking about your organization's problems or opportunities, and have found different visions of what might work. That can be an exciting opening to a lively visioning session.
Or conflict might mean personal disagreements that may have been eroding work relationships are finally coming out of the closet. What an opportunity that is to name them (probably in private), invite some sharing and healing, and all get back to work with energy, trust, and comfort.
There's a game to teach conflict management called Shift/POV, produced by Kym Dakin of Voice Into Learning. POV stands for Point of View, a card game using exercises in shifting our points of view to seek conflict resolution.
It's productive to contemplate this mandate — that we shift our point of view — even if we're playing the game, but especially if we're not.
Consider this story:
Susan, head of systems development, is always “tweaking” the customer service computer screens to make them more friendly, powerful and informative.
Meanwhile, Gena, managing the customer service group, is frustrated with the flood of small changes that come unannounced, leaving so many of her employees challenged, trying to use a system that keeps changing.
Once Susan and Gena share their points of view with an eye to finding a mutual solution, they are on the way to ending the conflict.
Arthur Fink, principal at Arthur Fink Consulting, can be contacted at ArthurFink@ArthurFink.com
Arthur Fink, principal at Arthur Fink Consulting, can be contacted at ArthurFink@ArthurFink.com
The Association for Consulting Expertise (ACE) is a non-profit association of independent consultants who value “Success through Collaboration.” The public is welcome to attend its regular meetings to share best practices and engage with industry experts. For more information go to www.consultexpertise.com.
The Giving Guide helps nonprofits have the opportunity to showcase and differentiate their organizations so that businesses better understand how they can contribute to a nonprofit’s mission and work.
Learn MoreWork for ME is a workforce development tool to help Maine’s employers target Maine’s emerging workforce. Work for ME highlights each industry, its impact on Maine’s economy, the jobs available to entry-level workers, the training and education needed to get a career started.
Learn MoreFew people are adequately prepared for all the tasks involved in planning and providing care for aging family members. SeniorSmart provides an essential road map for navigating the process. This resource guide explores the myriad of care options and offers essential information on topics ranging from self-care to legal and financial preparedness.
Learn moreThe Giving Guide helps nonprofits have the opportunity to showcase and differentiate their organizations so that businesses better understand how they can contribute to a nonprofit’s mission and work.
Work for ME is a workforce development tool to help Maine’s employers target Maine’s emerging workforce. Work for ME highlights each industry, its impact on Maine’s economy, the jobs available to entry-level workers, the training and education needed to get a career started.
Few people are adequately prepared for all the tasks involved in planning and providing care for aging family members. SeniorSmart provides an essential road map for navigating the process. This resource guide explores the myriad of care options and offers essential information on topics ranging from self-care to legal and financial preparedness.
In order to use this feature, we need some information from you. You can also login or register for a free account.
By clicking submit you are agreeing to our cookie usage and Privacy Policy
Already have an account? Login
Already have an account? Login
Want to create an account? Register
In order to use this feature, we need some information from you. You can also login or register for a free account.
By clicking submit you are agreeing to our cookie usage and Privacy Policy
Already have an account? Login
Already have an account? Login
Want to create an account? Register
This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Our privacy policy
To ensure the best experience on our website, articles cannot be read without allowing cookies. Please allow cookies to continue reading. Our privacy policy
Comments