"Conflict" Resolution

Yesterday, after attending a seminar given by Edgar Papke, I wrote about preventing criticism from degenerating into "conflict". I differentiated the word from a suggestion for improvement or a disagreement, rather regarding the word as a stressful situation gone bad. This post addresses how to resolve conflict once it does get that far. As yesterday, I acknowledge Edgar's contribution.

Edgar asserts that we are one of three kinds of people: We are either driven by doing the right things, a win-lose mentality, or feeling that we belong. This is an interesting insight when viewed with what are generally the four personality profiles of dominance/directness, interpersonal/interactive, amiable/consistent, and pleaser/conscientious touted by Myers/Briggs, DISC, AVA or Drake P3, as examples. These 3 kinds of people will operate within their 4 personality styles.

The authenticity-oriented person who needs to be true to themselves as a top value, within the 4 personality types, will have to "do the right thing" when resolving conflict. They want a structure that is ideal centered, and empowers teams. They will be motivated by good intentions, openness, and affection.

The competitive expertise-driven person, when faced with conflict wants to win; they always believe their way is best. They want structure that is objective, competency-focused, and functional. Their key motivators are individual achievement, competency, and to be in control.

The inclusion-oriented person must be one of the group, be involved, and build consensus. Their desired structure is cross-functional, personal, and done through groups, not individuals. What motivates them is their accountability to team members, their importance to the team, and to be doing something significant.

Why is this important to know? First, we must know ourselves and do what we do best ("play the game in our home court"-see my earlier blog). Secondly, we must know what other people want, and how they resolve stressful situations, which will put us closer to resolution. Thirdly, knowledge builds confidence and patience. We will have the energy to get through it successfully.

Having written all this, it comes down to caring and doing the little things necessary to take care of our people, a common theme of my blogs. Good Luck!