Conflict can be a good thing.

Suppressing conflict curtails freedom and imagination

Conflict can be creative.

If we avoid all conflict no real change will take place.

Conflict

Rowan leaves with hole - Andy Goldsworthy

1. Ignore the problem

2. Allow it to run its course

3. Try to reduce or contain conflict

Short-term strategies -• Persuading, • Coercing, • “Horse Trading”, • Arbitrating.

Medium-term strategies -• Separation, • Mediation, • Disciplinary and Grievance procedures

and • Confrontation.

5 Approaches to Managing Conflict

4. Resolve it•Establish or revisit common goals•Restructure•Improve Communication•Integrative Bargaining – finding creative solutions without compromising

Solutions may often be found in the root cause e.g. values conflicts will have values based solutions

5. Preventing damaging conflict •Respect other people•Criticism must be constructive and sensitive•Don’t make assumptions•Don’t make decisions that affect people’s work without consulting them•Encourage healthy conflict •Don’t make or condone attacks on other people, either publicly or privately•Look for ways for people to get out of the conflict with their dignity•Make sure that you are seen to be fair

Conflict

Which style is most appropriate?

High importance

Low importance GOALS/VALUES High importance

RELATIONSHIPS

SMOOTH

FIGHT

WITHDRAW

CONFRONT

COMPROMISE

Low importance