by admin on February 28, 2009
Most reactions to the word “conflict” are bad. People assume it is expensive, emotionally damaging, and time-consuming. Negative conflict is exactly that. Yet conflict is inevitable as long as we are human. We have different experiences, perspectives, values, needs, and resources. Disputes can arise over any number of issues.
In fact, positive conflict is essential. Picture a business or a not-for-profit organization that is completely filled with people who never voice a disagreement. Any idea proposed could be adopted as is, without critical review. No modifications would be made if no one spoke up about ways to make improvements. The benefit of our different experiences, perspectives, values, needs, and resources would be lost.
The challenge is in finding ways to keep conflict positive. Partly it’s the atmosphere we foster. Constructive criticism needs to be encouraged even as destructive criticism is discouraged. We can follow our mothers’ advice to disagree without being disagreeable. And we can decide to learn from each other and work towards a shared goal.
by admin on February 26, 2009
Earlier this month, the American Bar Association (ABA) held its mid-year meeting in Boston. At that meeting, the ABA Section of Dispute Resolution co-sponsored a program with ABA groups related to aging, the Association for Conflict Resolution New England Chapter (NEACR), and another group of elder law attorneys. The program was titled “Elder Mediation: The Challenges and Rewards of this Evolving Practice Area.” The fact that a program on this emerging and important arena for mediation was part of the ABA mid-year meeting is an indication that this field is growing in recognition and use.
by admin on February 26, 2009
I’ve written before (November, 2007) about the perils of e-mail. I talked about it at the WBDC program on Managing Conflicts as a Small Business Owner earlier this month. It struck a chord with the participants. All knew of at least one instance when e-mail had made mischief, whether intentionally or unintentionally. Part of the problem was the words used and the emotions that were then attributed to the author, correctly or not. Another issue is the way it can be transmitted: reply to one or reply to all? One person described how a group that needed to work together and used e-mail a good bit was plagued by one in the group who did not abide by their rule to send all messages to all involved.
Talking behind the backs of some and trying to create coalitions and divisions is hardly unique to e-mail communications. With the added dangers of e-mail, this situation was just that much more dangerous. The solution the recipient chose was to forward e-mails sent to one to all the others. That method at least tamped down on of the potential sources of conflict.
by admin on February 4, 2009
Next week I will have the pleasure of presenting a program for the Women’s Business Development Center at their Waterbury office. I was happy to able to agree to their request that I do a program on “Managing Conflicts As A Small Business Owner.” The program is on Thursday, February 12, 2009, from 6:00 to 8:00, P.M. Registration is available through the WBDC. The WBDC is a terrific organization that offers a variety of programs to help entrepreneurs and small business owners develop and strengthen their skills, in order to help their businesses grow.
Next week’s program will focus on specific ideas to help small business owners prevent, reduce, and resolve conflicts, both inside and out of the business. It will be an interactive program, with special attention paid to the particular needs and interests of the participants.
I enjoy making presentations on conflict resolution. And I am a big fan of the WBDC and the tireless work they do for women (and men) entreprenuers and business owners. So, the program will be a “win-win” for me.