CONFLICT IS THE BEGINNING OF CONSCIOUSNESS                      ~M. ESTHER HARDING

Conflict Resolution

Conflict. Just the word conjures up so many negative reactions; yelling, arguments or simply wanting to run as far in the other direction as possible. Most people will do anything they can to avoid conflict.  We have been socialized to see conflict as something difficult, wrong and even scary.  Most who engage are holding steadfast to their beliefs, attitudes and assumptions with a level or reactivity.  Through our work we see that there is a foundational belief that we can listen and communicate more effectively when we are being Response able as opposed to Reactive. The reactivity comes from the need to protect and hold onto our beliefs for dear life.

We see conflict differently, something useful and quite needed for the the growth and productivity of a team. The basic premise of conflict is that something new is trying to emerge from opposing ideas. Conflict becomes a problem when an idea becomes marginalzed and toxic behaviors such as blame, defending, resentment or stonewalling appear.    

It is inherent in all relationships weaving its way in and out of conversations, professionally between co-workers, supervisors, teams and stake holders.  Personally in intimate relationships, familia, friends and people we come in contact throughout our daily life. So we see it is a natural part of the life, actually of the creation of new ideas. There is no way to create new ideas without different, conflicting, opposing ideas and opinions.  Friction is needed to start a fire and cook the ideas. Stephen Johnson uses the term, “a collision of ideas” in his video, Where Do Good Ideas Come From. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NugRZGDbPFU&t=21s

In our individual and team engagements we work to create the safety in relationships so that the ideas behind the conflict are voiced and seen as the contributions they are meant to be. The key to understand here, is that something is trying to be born in all conflict. There is something that is being repressed that needs to be expressed. It is often difficult to do when opposing parties have the need for someone to be right and another to be wrong. For many conflict has been something to either run from or utilized as a way to get their way.  They see conflict as two opposing viewpoints simultaneously vying for the same position and their postion is the only solution.

Through a process of facilitated dialogue, we begin to bring forth the underpinnings of the conflict. People listen to be able step into anothers land without their personalities getting in the way of hearing.  This can then give them the information necessary use to get through the conflict, and to the other side with a new viewpoint create by the parties involved. Conflict will always be present in a workplace and it’s important to seek a resolution that brings the parties into alignment.  We do not see compromise, giving up your idea or containing issues as a solution.  We value all ideas as a contribution to what is trying to emerge.

The teams become more resiliant, better connected,

Enhancing Emotional Intelligence – Working with Conflict™ is a course that will wake you up to seeing how you operate in the face of conflict and finding collaborative ways to manage relationships.

or

Conflict Resolution – Bridging the Differences™ – directly aimed teaching a team effectivness model for communicating. 

Objectives: 

  • Learn the difference between dialogue and discussion
  • Be able to stand in another’s shoes
  • Go from Reactive to “Response-Able” behaviors
  • See the benefit in being with conflict vs avoiding it
  • Gain awareness of the impact on all the parties affected by unresolved conflict
  • Be facilitated to new ideas that promote creativity and high productivity

Benefits:

  • See conflict in a whole new light and be able to use it for innovation
  • Have strong relationships that can withstand change
WE LIVE IN AN ERA OF INTENSE CONFLICT AND MASSIVE INSTITUTIONAL FAILURES; A TIME OF PAINFUL ENDINGS AND OF HOPEFUL BEGINNINGS. IT IS A TIME THAT FEELS AS IF SOMETHING PROFOUND IS SHIFTING AND DYING WHILE SOMETHING ELSE WANTS TO BE BORN ~ OTTO SHARMER

Call 847-778-1404 to create a conversation about the conflict that is happening in your life or in your organization or fill out the form on the Contact Us page.