Conflict as opportunity Beginning of Consciousness

Are both of these statements true? Conflict Good Bad or Inevitable? Perception is the key What do you see the vase or the faces? Are both of these statements true? Conflict is impossible to avoid Conflict can be beneficial Definition of Conflict A state of incompatibility of ideas between two or more parties or individuals A real or perceived threat or opposition to one’s needs, interests, principles, concerns or security http://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newLDR_81.htm Mind Tools Newsletter

Causes of Conflict Resources shortage of: Money Attention Equipment Needs: Power Self realization Achievements Values: Clash in beliefs Overlapping authority Communication breakdown: Misaligned expectations Wrong perceptions Failure to deliver

Conflict Styles Accommodating: Letting go of your own ideas in order to satisfy others’ interests above your own Collaborating: An approach in which people go beyond their own interests and solutions to create something new Competing: Being assertive and pursuing your own concerns, sometimes at expense of others Avoiding: Not addressing the existence of conflict Compromising: Middle ground between competing and accommodating, where you give up some of your ideas but not all of them Source: Kenneth W. Thomas and Ralph H. Kilmann (1974),Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Mode Instrument

Competing Avoiding Compromising Accommodating Collaborating Conflict Styles Competing Avoiding Compromising Accommodating Collaborating Source: Kenneth W. Thomas and Ralph H. Kilmann (1974),Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Mode Instrument

Conflict Resolution Process Step 1: Set the Stage Step 2: Gather Information Step 3: Agree on the Problem Step 4: Brainstorm Possible Solutions Step 5: Negotiate a Solution

Interest Based Relational Approach Step 1: Set the Stage Conflict Resolution Interest Based Relational Approach Step 1: Set the Stage Good relationships are the first priority Listen first Talk second Explore options together Keep people and problems separate Pay attention to the interests that are being presented Set out the “Facts” Explore options together

Don’t Miss out on the OPPORTUNITY Of conflict Conflict Resolution Can lead to Increased understanding Increased group cohesion Improved self-knowledge Successful outcome of project Lack of Conflict Resolution Can lead to Personal dislike Teamwork breakdown Talent waste - People disengage