Conflict Resolution Mean to Me? Broadly Defined

¶ … Conflict Resolution Mean to Me?

Broadly defined conflict resolution is when a plan is placed into action in order to resolve and settle issues within an organization or a team. As such the implementing person assumes a neutral or impartial stance in attempting to resolve an issue or issues. In today's business world a great amount of focus is being placed on having employees work as a team to produce new ideas, equitably distribute job responsibilities among the larger group, and most importantly create a unified front and camaraderie. Unfortunately, however, along with advantages there are always accompanying disadvantages. Wherever there are teams, there is a chance for conflict and conflict is almost guaranteed. As long as individual team members possess the ability to think independently, there will always be a difference of opinion and as such conflict can be difficult to resolve. However, there are many resolutions that can prove to be effective when used properly and ones that can have a significant affect on any team setting.

Although many individuals and organizations view conflict as a negative counter-productive, and one that should be avoided, conflict is a natural result of people working together. Without conflict, complacency in teams, and individual stagnation can occur. As a result the development of the team and/or individual team member can be seriously impeded. It is, therefore, extremely important to the livelihood of a team for the team members to be able use conflict resolutions or reach out to another individual who has conflict resolution skills.

The important question that arises is whether or not conflict is constructive or destructive? Conflict can be good for a team if the members involved in the conflict learn some type of lesson about the issue that precipitated the conflict in the first place. Conflict resolution programming can also create a solution for future problems with different individuals and different situations. Ideally constructive conflict can create a sense of unity resulting in fresh ideas on ways to resolve the conflict. Conflict can also be a very destructive force to an organization if the conflict continues without resolution. Not only will non-resolved conflict create chaos but also the workforce into almost combative divisions, lower productivity, increase employee stress and lower profits. Although it is important to realize that conflict can be constructive as well as destructive it is important to know what causes conflict as well. There are numerous reasons that conflict may arise within a team or situation. A team with many different people wherein various personalities, cultures, values, attitudes, needs, and expectations are represented conflict situations are likely to arise. In order to resolve conflict it is very important to follow a few basic steps: