New Managers

Coping with conflict

The main idea. Conflict at work can be creative

or destructive. As a manager you need to develop

your skills in dealing with it and resolving it in a way

that has good long-term outcomes for you, for the staff,

and for the organisation.

Activities to improve the ways you deal with conflict.

1. Assess your personal reaction to conflict. Self-awareness is essential feature if you are to deal with conflict effectively.

a. What is your usual response when a conflict seems likely?

b . Are you good at distinguishing when it's important to let things go, and when it's essential to make a stand? How do you decide?

c. How good are you at seeing other people's point of view and why they are disagreeing?

2. Rate yourself on a scale of 1-10 on these essential skills for dealing with and resolving conflict. Consider how to improve in the low-rated ones.

a. Using the conflict to look for better solutions

b. Showing that you've heard the views of the different parties

c. Understanding the different positions and needs of the people involved

d. Mapping the genuine issues and concerns and possible solutions

e. Generating and considering different options in the situation

f. managing your own emotions, and acknowledging others' without being driven by them.

g. Looking for satisfactory outcomes rather than 'wins'

3. Get a colleague to rate you on the same items. Check where they differ from your opinion, and pay attention to their feedback

Why this matters

Unresolved conflicts can use up energy, waste time, and affect your working climate. If you can succeed in this area, you are well on the way to being an excellent people manager.

You can find more about managing conflict in the Member's section. Please click here to join.