Conflict Resolution

 

 

Can conflict have value? Learn, source of change / growth, can create opportunity, encourage team work.

 

"Difficulties are meant to rouse, not discourage. The human spirit is to grow strong by conflict. " William Ellery Channing (1780 - 1842)

"In the frank expression of conflicting opinions lies the greatest promise of wisdom in governmental action." Louis D. Brandeis (1856 - 1941)

"Man must evolve for all human conflict a method which rejects revenge, aggression and retaliation. The foundation of such a method is love." Martin Luther King Jr. (1929 - 1968)

"In many cases, conflict in the workplace just seems to be a fact of life. We've all seen situations where different people with different goals and needs have come into conflict. And we've all seen the often-intense personal animosity that can result.

The fact that conflict exists, however, is not necessarily a bad thing: As long as it is resolved effectively, it can lead to personal and professional growth." (quote from www.mindtools.com)

 

Whether it be at home, school, in the work place or within a wider community, it is tempting to try and avoid, skirt around the issue. Whilst for some minor conflicts this may be a valid stratergy, generally for sustainable resolution conflicts must be confronted. Tikambilanie, using the wealth of experiance of Kamoto and The Green Living Movement, deal with conflict that arises in four ways. The first virtually as a by-stander and the last, if all else fails as an arbitrator or through the use of a third party arbitrator.

 

Conflict Management Strategies:

    1. Corroboration Strategy
      1. Identify the situation.
      2. Agree the way to go.
    2. Mediation
      1. Do not contribute to decision making.
      2. Conciliatory role.
      3. Just assure a discussion process takes place.
      4. Does not always lead to a conclusion.
    3. Facilitation
      1. When all other discussions are ‘dead’.
      2. Influence discussion.
      3. Third party experts encourage discussion.
      4. Offer questions and suggestions but does NOT decide.
    4. Arbitration
      1. Use when conflicting parties can’t agree. Last resort.
      2. Bring in third party to make decision.
      3. All parties must agree upon legitimacy of third party.
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