Conflict resolution strategies and approaches

Colonial Lit leader such as Tom Peters is often quoted as to how to succeed as a business leader. He believes that leaders should display qualities such as; "compassion, understanding and being good listeners." He also believes that any individual, whether they be CEO's of multi-million dollar companies or a one-man boss of a small firm needs to keep in mind the sacred trust that is assumed when becoming a leader.

Tom quotes an ancient Greek, Philo of Alexandria, in the following manner; "Be kind for everyone you meet is fighting a great battle." (Peters 2006) and Tom believes that is one of the truest statements ever written in regard to leadership skills, and he should know.

Quoted on Tom's website was an "in-depth analytic study released by Accenture's Institute for Strategic Change in 2002, Peters scored 2nd among the top 50 "Business Intellectuals" behind Michael Porter and ahead of Peter Drucker." (Peters 2006)

With his expertise looming large and readily available, individuals such as myself are often reminded of one of the keys of success in the business world. The key is that leaders are required to listen to their co-workers and managers in order to ensure that the optimum level of success can be achieved.

Most troublesome scenarios can be either alleviated or concluded all together as long as the individual in charge is willing to listen and then act on what he or she hears.

Concerning this fact, I feel that I would be able to conduct myself professionally in most situations because I am able to listen and then dissect what I hear and apply the appropriate solution to the problem. I am definitely more of the transformational type of leader than I am any other.

One recent study looking at teachers and administrators in an institutional and educational setting, showed that individuals who acquire a transformational method of leadership are exceptionally well equipped to engender success. "Transformational leaders enhance the quality of in-school relationships by actively participating in the individual value system of the staff in their institutions." (Korkmaz 2007-page 26)

That is the style that I encompass, and along with that I have learned how to feel empathy for other's and their feelings. With that empathy I am able to understand my co-worker's viewpoints and while I may not agree with them, I am able to ascertain their motives and their motivating factors and work within those restraints.

Another key to success can be seen when, again through Tom Peters, we learn of the nine key areas of leadership. Tom espouses those nine traits as; being ethical, displaying courage and honesty, having a vision, teaching others those characteristics and values to which the leader holds true, have high expectations of those which are put into leadership capacities, and understanding those people with which the leader(s) comes in contact with.

These traits and capabilities are ones for which I strive, and in so doing, am able to see the value that they can offer me in my quest to become a great and efficient leader.

By 'having a vision' and endowing that vision to those who I wish to lead, I should find it much easier to have them follow my track. If my employees or co-workers see that I am ethical and that I display courage and honesty, they will feel more comfortable in accepting my leadership. When scenarios happen that demand resolution, these same employees and co-workers will instinctively seek out my guidance and advice based on an established trust and confidence in my capabilities.