Recognizing conflict resolution and applying strategies to resolve conflict

Citation: Silsbee, L. (2022) Council post: How to recognize conflict and select the Right Resolution Strategy, Forbes. Available at: https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbescoachescouncil/2021/11/08/how-to-recognize-conflict-and-select-the-right-resolution-strategy/?sh=b0fad013efb5 (Accessed: 22 October 2023).

Summary of the article:

One of the major leadership skills is the ability to identify, understand, and resolve conflicts.‑ This article is authored to look at strategies that leaders use to manage conflicts. Many people believe that conflict is never good but on other hand conflicts may be considered essential because they promote creativity and thinking. However, when conflicts get out of control and they become inefficient or even detrimental, it is important for the leaders to be in a position to determine these scenarios and then approach them in such a way as to what will benefit their respective firms.

In this article, we discuss the Thomas Kilmann Conflict Mode (TKPM), which is a highly rated and often recommended conflict resolution strategy, proposed by Myers-Briggs.L This model provides five different conflict resolution techniques, each with a different level of assertiveness and cooperation:

1. Forcing: This type of conflict resolution depends on power whereby organizational rules are imposed, but there is no cooperation at all and it is highly assertive.

2. Collaboration: A balanced approach whereby the leader combines cooperative approach with aggressiveness, actively listens to everybody’s concern and contributes towards seeking an agreement that satisfies everyone.

3. Compromising: Balanced strategy of a leader who shows both cooperation and assertiveness and tries to determine everybody’s problems to find common ground.

4. Accommodating: Sometimes, a leader has to be very co-operative, even more than being assertive in order to comprehensively address one of the parties’ concerns.

5. Avoiding: It is the least assertive and cooperative type of action that should only be applied where the two involved employees may not like interference from any third party.

The author continues by emphasizing the significance of Recognize, React, and Resolve—the three R's in conflict resolution. Conflicts should be quickly identified by leaders, who should then decide if they are productive or counter productive. They can choose the best conflict resolution tactic based on this assessment. Leaders should show empathy for all parties involved, actively listen, and ask pertinent questions when responding to conflicts. Last but not least, handling conflict resolution can be the most difficult aspect. However, leaders should be patient, take their time to find the best solution, and in complex cases, think about enlisting the help of HR or legal experts.

How this article relates to me:

As a student and part-time employee, the idea of conflict resolution is extremely relevant to my present circumstances and aspirations. Conflict resolution techniques can be useful in the classroom for handling team projects, group assignments, and interpersonal problems that may come up with other students. Peer relationships, academic performance, and smoother collaborations will all benefit from my ability to identify, respond to, and resolve conflicts. These are also useful skills for my part-time work. Team members who can resolve conflicts in the workplace in a diplomatic and professional manner are highly valued by employers. I can improve my reputation and become a more desirable candidate for future opportunities and promotions by showcasing my skill in conflict resolution. 

An essential leadership ability that will help me resolve conflicts, make wise decisions, and create a positive work atmosphere is conflict resolution. My skillful conflict resolution skills can also assist me in developing a strong professional network that will open doors for collaboration, mentoring, and support as I progress in both my studies and career. In general, developing my conflict resolution skills is an investment in my future success, communication abilities, and personal development. Conflict resolution is an important leadership skill which will assist in resolving conflicts, making sound judgments and to provide a favorable work environment. Moreover, I have some competent conflict resolution skills that may help me develop a solid network of professional contacts offering collaborations, coaching, and career advancement opportunities during these stages of studying and career development. The ability to solve conflicts is essential for me because it is an indirect contribution to my future success in life, development of communication skills and my own growth as a person.