Conflict Resolution

Leaders among organizations have a very important role in resolving conflict. They must find ways of managing conflict and developing effective work relationships to create healthy work environments.
 
Conflict is a part of life because of the complexity of human relationships. Because each person is unique and possesses their own value system, and understanding how to maneuver around and manage conflict is a very important role of an effective leader.
 
Conflict management techniques stress the importance of communication, assertive dialogue, and empathy. Here is a list of 11 methods for conflict resolution:


Avoiding-
"If I do not acknowledge that there is a problem, then there is no problem." Never acknowledging that there is a problem or a conflict that exists.
 
Withholding or withdrawing-
One party opts out of participation, withdrawing them self from the situation.
(This does not resolve the conflict, but does give individuals a chance to calm down)
 
Smoothing over
 Parties do not withdraw, but they simply attempt to make everyone feel good. Using verbal communication to defuse strong emotions.
For example: "everything will be OK."
 
Accommodating-
Used when there is a large power differential. Meaning that the lesser power gives up their position in deference to the more powerful party.
"Kill the enemy with kindness."
 
Forcing-
This is a dominance move when an issue may be forced on the table by issuing orders or a majority rules vote. This is an all-out power strategy to win.
"Lets vote on it"
 
Competing-
Assertive strategy where one parties needs are satisfied at the other. This is an all-out effort to win at any cost.
 
Compromising-
Useful when goals or values are markedly different.
"Splitting the difference."

Confronting-
Assertive strategy focusing on the issues. Individuals speak for themselves but in a way that decreases defensiveness and allows another person to hear the message. "I" and "you" are avoided.
 
Collaborating-
Parties work together to find a mutually satisfying solution.
"Two heads are better than one."
 
Bargaining or negotiating-
Attempts to divide the rewards, power, or benefits so that everyone gets something. They involve both parties in a back and forth effort at some level of agreement.
 
Problem solving-
This is to try and find an acceptable, workable solution for all parties Generates feelings of gain by all parties reaching a mutually agreeable solution to the conflict.

Huber, D. (2010). Leadership and nursing care management. 4th edition. Maryland Heights, MO. Saunders, Elsevier Health Sciences.

I know that I definitely have to work on my conflict strategies because I avoid conflict all together if I can. I avoid conflict because I seem to get really emotional when I am involved with conflict. When I am in conflict, I try to do the best I can to get the best outcome. Sometimes it works, other times it doesn't. I feel like a lot of it depends on the other person(s) response to conflict as well.