When things get tense between people mediation services come into play to put out a potential fire between them. In the course of my work, I also get the opportunity to work with individuals in developing their communication capacity so…
The last 2 steps to the ‘transforming conflict at work’ process, summarised from the work of Cloke and Goldsmith: 8. Don’t surrender just to avoid the conflict – you may feel resentful and will miss the opportunity for transformation. 9. …
More steps to ‘Transforming conflict at work’ – look back at previous blogs for steps 1-6 7. Let go of your judgements about the other person and focus on improving your skills at handling their difficult behaviours. Remember, you cant…
This is the third posting relating to the steps to transform conflict. We have moved away from blame and taken responsibility for expressing what we need and want. 5. Try to see the conflict as an ‘it’ This thing has…
Following from the first 2 pointers,here are another 2 steps to this process. These require us to put aside our automatic reactions to situations of conflict 3. State clearly how you feel and what you feel you need. Our most…
I read with interest the article by Jim Bright in last weekend’s Careers section of SMHerald (16,17/7). Jim proposes that its possible to manage the stress of working with “odious creeps”. He suggests getting EAP help, reflecting, understanding and managing…
Kenneth Cloke and Joan Goldsmith wrote ‘Resolving Conflicts at Work’ in 2000. I have found it a great text and have summarised some key points – will bring them to you over the next few weeks, a few at a…
Conflict can often invoke a stressful response in the body and that brings into play the part of the brain called the amygdala (lets call it ‘amy’) – also referred to as the ‘primitive’ brain. ‘amy’ is there to ensure…
People in conflict often need help: they may need legal representation, or counselling to help them manage the emotional distress of a situation. Workplace disputes can involve union representatives and managers; doctors and return to work officers may also be…
According to Kenneth Cloke and Joan Goldsmith, the only test for effectiveness of communication is what the other person understands. Now that puts the responsibility on each of us–we need to observe how others are receiving the messages we give…
