CONFLICT: TOO MUCH AND TOO LITTLE

Conflict is rarely seen in positive terms.  It is seen as undesirable, negative and even destructive force to be avoided or minimized as much as possible.  A workplace without any conflict may not be an ideal workplace as individuals are not willing to challenge the status quo and not willing to express an alternative opinion to that accepted by the majority.  There is a need to strike a balance between too much and too little conflict.

Conflict need to be quickly and positively dealt with whenever it arises.  Conflict between individuals or between teams can act as:

·         early warning signal that something is wrong or less than ideal

·         new ideas, methods or approaches to be discovered which help:

o   to restore the relationship equilibrium,

o   to make the whole organization a better place to work

Striking the “right balance” is no easy task.  It can be achieved in most cases by having and carefully implementing clear “code of conduct” policies which, among others:

• allow open debate
• sharing of ideas

across departments and levels of the enterprise in a positive and respectful way at all times.

 

Shared from:

Conflict Resolution

Topic Cartoons

April 30, 2012 by Dr. Jon Warner