Conflict Resolution

What is Conflict? A process which involves opposing forces and differing objectives

What kinds of conflicts have you experienced in student groups that you belong to? Unmotivated members Unreliable members Unable to set goals Unable to follow through on goals Monopolizers Over-functioning members Power hungry members Argumentative members

How do you know when conflict is occurring? What behaviors, emotions, and thinking do you see in yourself and other people? How do you feel about the behaviors, emotions, and thinking that go on with you and others? What feels helpful, right, and appropriate? What feels unhelpful, destructive, and inappropriate?

Identifying the Causes, Sources, and Types of Conflict Lack of information; misunderstandings, different interpretations of the same information Role incompatibility; role ambiguity Stressful working conditions

Identifying the Causes, Sources, and Types of Conflict Unresolved prior conflicts Personal differences in values, goals, or styles Power structure within the organization

Activity: What is your conflict resolution style? Which of the following statements best describes how you handle conflicts?

1. I don’t like conflicts, and I try to avoid them.

2. To me, conflicts are. challenging. They’re like 2. To me, conflicts are challenging. They’re like contests or competitions— opportunities for me to come up with solutions.

I try to see conflicts from both sides. What do I need I try to see conflicts from both sides. What do I need? What does the other person need? What are the issues involved?

4. When faced with a conflict. or even a potential conflict, 4. When faced with a conflict or even a potential conflict, I tend to back down or give in, rather than cause problems.

5. I want to resolve the. conflict as quickly as. possible, I give up 5. I want to resolve the conflict as quickly as possible, I give up something I want or need and I expect the other person to do the same.

10 Ways of Dealing with Conflict 1. The win/win approach Identify attitude shifts to respect all parties' needs. 2. Creative response Transform problems into creative opportunities. 3. Empathy Develop communication tools to build rapport. Use listening to clarify understanding. 4. Appropriate assertiveness Apply strategies to attack the problem not the person. 5. Co-operative power Eliminate "power over" to build "power with" others.

10 Ways of Dealing with Conflict 6. Managing emotions Express fear, anger, hurt and frustration wisely to effect change. 7. Willingness to Resolve Name personal issues that cloud the picture. 8. Mapping the conflict Define the issues needed to chart common needs and concerns. 9. Development of options Design creative solutions together. 10. Introduction to negotiation Plan and apply effective strategies to reach agreement.

Effective leadership is leadership which is adaptive!