Methods of Conflict Resolution Essay Samples

Methods of Conflict Resolution

...ffective solutions on more or less a trial and error basis. The flaws in these solutions will not be exposed until mistakes are made or deadlines are missed. But if possible solutions are discussed by the team in a positive, constructive manner, it is more likely that someone will notice potential flaws, which could lead to modification of proposed solutions or abandonment of flawed solutions and reliance on better ones. Conflict also helps to assure that members of the team to not become complacent or alienated from the group once they realize their input is not allowed or appreciated. The alienated members could begin to neglect their duties, which will decrease productivity when other members have to do more to pick up the slack. A third positive effect of conflict is that if handled properly, conflict can be used to further the professional and psychological development of team members. By learning to deal with conflict, team members become aware of their personal style of conflict resolutions and depending upon how effective or detrimental their style is to resolution, members can modify their styles accordingly. You also learn the styles others use in dealing with conflicts, and since different people handle conflict in different ways, you may learn to use the style of conflict resolution that is most effective when dealing with different personalities. Being a part of group discussion and debate helps people bond with other members of the group. It also fosters feelings of excitement, enthusiasm, creativity, belonging, validation and a sense of challenge. It is an important of the psychological development of people that we learn that conflict is a natural part of human existence that can’t be avoided. It is how you manage life’s conflicts that determine whether or not you will be successful in life. II. Methods of Resolving Conflict Sometimes, it doesn’t matter so much what the issue of the team conflict is, as how the conflict is resolved. Prompt and effective resolution of conflicts is essential to keeping the team together and focused on achieving the desired objectives. Doctors Long and Wilson, of Baylor College of Medicine’s Huffington Center on Aging offer these common approaches to conflict resolution: Welcome the existence of the conflict, bring it into the open, and use it as potential for change. Separate the person from the problem in an effort to diffuse the emotional component of the conflict by showing respect, listening carefully, and giving all parties an opportunity to express views. Clarify the nature of the problem as seen by all parties. Is this the real problem? Deal with one problem at a time, beginning with the easier issues. Listen with understanding (interest) rather than evaluation. Use the communication skills of listening, reflecting and clarifying. Attack data, facts, assumptions, and conclusions but not individuals (e.g., “I disagree with your assumptions”). Brainstorm about possible solutions. Use objective criteria when possible. Invent new solutions where both parties gain. Implement the plan. Evaluate and review the problem-solving process after implementing the plan. Identify areas of agreement. Focus on common interests not positions. By following these approaches, teams can spend less time and energy on resolving conflicts, and more time and energy on productive work. If theses methods of dispute resolutions are not successful, there are also alternative methods of conflict resolution. The PDCS web page on dispute resolution lists these as alternative methods of conflict resolution: Facilitation - facilitator works as an impartial third person that helps two conflicting parties direct their discussion in order to reach an agreement satisfactory to both sides, effectively and according previously agreed rules. The Latin word facilitare means to ease. Therefore the role of a facilitator is to provide both sides with such methods and guidelines for discussion, which will ease their communication, negotiation and overall achievement of an agreement. Mediation - conflicting parties communicate through a mediator--third impartial person--who helps them realize their interests and positions and use such awareness to negotiate an agreement satisfactory ...

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