Dealing with conflict is often challenging, but when the particular conflict also involves a sensitive issue, it can be even more difficult. Here are some tips to keep in mind when addressing a sensitive topic. Decide if a conversation is necessary. Some issues are simply not worth discussing because they’re of little consequence, or they seem to be resolving themselves without any kind of intervention. For others, you might want to wait to bring them up until you’ve gathered more information or had a chance to reflect on what you want to say. Some, though, need immediate attention because they’re causing… Continue Reading Addressing Sensitive Topics During Conflict
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Archives for Communication and Behavior
The CDP on Campus: Improving Conflict Resolution Skills at Institutions of Higher Learning
Mergers, Acquisitions and Conflict
Dealing with Negativity
The Untrustworthy Hot Button
How We Describe Conflict
When doing a program on conflict management, I’ll often ask people what words come to mind when they think about conflict. Typically responses include: frustrating, stressful, anger, upset, fear, and anxiety. Participants, when asked to characterize their responses, almost always describe them as negative. At the same time they almost always give a few words that could be viewed as positive such as: opportunity, growth, and resolution. From 2003-2005 we asked people being certified in the Conflict Dynamics Profile to share words that described conflict for them. They shared over 170 words which depicted a wide range of attitudes towards… Continue Reading How We Describe Conflict
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Dealing with Longstanding Conflicts
The Use of Questioning During Conflict
Conflicts often begin because people are wedded to their own positions and don’t want to take the time to truly understand someone else’s point of view. In other words, we spend a lot of effort, time, and energy defending our own agenda or trying to convince other people to change their minds rather than creating a conversation where ideas are truly explored or illuminated. Effective questioning during a conflict can change the outcome dramatically because it Promotes better listening Deepens understanding of all the information being presented, and Increases overall learning. Listening Several studies have demonstrated the importance of listening… Continue Reading The Use of Questioning During Conflict
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Generational Conflict
A couple of recent items caught our attention about generational conflict. Deanna Hartley addressed the subject in an article in the November issue of Talent Management entitled “How to Resolve Generational Conflicts in the Workplace.” In her article Ms. Hartley emphasized the misunderstandings that emerge when people from different generations make assumptions about one another and when they expect people from other generations to necessarily share their own values. Dr. Rick Voyles presented on the subject at the Southeastern Summit on Conflict Resolution in Atlanta in September. In his talk Rick contrasted the values of people in the Boomer and Gen X generations. He showed how… Continue Reading Generational Conflict
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Leadership, Conflict, and Authenticity
As the 2012 election gets closer, many political commentators have identified “authenticity” as a critical attribute for potential candidates. When it comes to leadership and conflict, what is “authenticity,” and why is it so important? The dictionary describes “authenticity” as “genuine” or “real.” In other words, it means being true to who you really are, knowing your values, and living them out consistently. In a world filled with new media and widespread access to data, people are constantly being bombarded with all kinds of messages. It’s no wonder everyone craves knowing what is really true and trustworthy about a person.… Continue Reading Leadership, Conflict, and Authenticity
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