Conflict Management is the process by which disputes are resolved, where negative results are minimized and positive results are prioritized. Conflict is unavoidable but our reactions to conflict are manageable. Conflict gives us the opportunity to challenge others and the momentum to talk about what matters. When handled correctly, conflict can be productive and aid in terms of creativity and innovation. When we enable conflict, we enable ourselves and others to do our best thinking.
Conflict is natural and occurs often. As a leader, I've learned how to embrace constructive conflict and resolve harmful conflict. In my experience, listening and asking questions is the best way to identify the root cause of conflict. Most people just want to feel heard and understood. Conflict management has improved my interpersonal skills and listening capabilities. My team feels comfortable sharing new ideas and concerns with me. We have a mutual respect for one another and trust that our intentions are good.
Aikido Way- Burn Clean
OGL 340: The Aikido Way to Conflict Transformation was a course focused on the martial art, Aikido, as a metaphor for conflict management. We examined the principles of Aikido and applied them to different types of emotional and mental conflict found in the workplace. Burning Clean gives you a platform to be confident and assertive in what you're trying to say. It allows you to express how you feel with "I" messages and gives you the opportunity to say what you want to change. Burning Clean also allows you to express emotion without it being a personal attack on the other person. It's about how I feel, not how YOU make me feel. It also helps you hold people accountable for change.
Conflict is natural and occurs often. As a leader, I've learned how to embrace constructive conflict and resolve harmful conflict. In my experience, listening and asking questions is the best way to identify the root cause of conflict. Most people just want to feel heard and understood. Conflict management has improved my interpersonal skills and listening capabilities. My team feels comfortable sharing new ideas and concerns with me. We have a mutual respect for one another and trust that our intentions are good.
Aikido Way- Burn Clean
OGL 340: The Aikido Way to Conflict Transformation was a course focused on the martial art, Aikido, as a metaphor for conflict management. We examined the principles of Aikido and applied them to different types of emotional and mental conflict found in the workplace. Burning Clean gives you a platform to be confident and assertive in what you're trying to say. It allows you to express how you feel with "I" messages and gives you the opportunity to say what you want to change. Burning Clean also allows you to express emotion without it being a personal attack on the other person. It's about how I feel, not how YOU make me feel. It also helps you hold people accountable for change.
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Reflection
I included conflict management as a competency because it's been a consistent topic throughout my OGL courses. From group projects to theories, conflict management was always present and established as a priority. Understanding how to listen and communicate professionally are skills that aid in conflict management and should be practiced by all leaders. Conflict management can be applied daily and is a transferable skill from inside to outside the organization.
Prior to my coursework at ASU, I wasn't a patient person. I didn't take enough time to listen to my team members and easily became defensive when blame shifted my direction. Learning how to BURN CLEAN and H.E.A.R. helped me center my thoughts and emotions before attempting to help others. Throughout my educational career, I've developed better listening practices and better strategies for approaching conflict. I'm more curious and try to discover the root cause rather than putting a band-aid on the problem. I see conflict as an opportunity for growth and allow others the space to be honest and direct.
I included conflict management as a competency because it's been a consistent topic throughout my OGL courses. From group projects to theories, conflict management was always present and established as a priority. Understanding how to listen and communicate professionally are skills that aid in conflict management and should be practiced by all leaders. Conflict management can be applied daily and is a transferable skill from inside to outside the organization.
Prior to my coursework at ASU, I wasn't a patient person. I didn't take enough time to listen to my team members and easily became defensive when blame shifted my direction. Learning how to BURN CLEAN and H.E.A.R. helped me center my thoughts and emotions before attempting to help others. Throughout my educational career, I've developed better listening practices and better strategies for approaching conflict. I'm more curious and try to discover the root cause rather than putting a band-aid on the problem. I see conflict as an opportunity for growth and allow others the space to be honest and direct.
Photo used under Creative Commons from sunoochi
