TM - October 2007 - (Page 40) recruitment & retention assessment & evaluation compensation & benefits performance management learning & development succession planning [learning & development]by Craig E. Runde and Tim A. Flanagan Developing a ConflictCompetent Organization WHEN WE ASK PARTICIPANTS IN OUR LEADERSHIP PROGRAMS TO DESCRIBE CONFLICT, MOST USE TERMS SUCH AS “STRESS,” “FRUSTRATION” AND “ANGER.” WHEN ASKED HOW THEY GENERALLY DEAL WITH CONFLICT, THEY ADMIT THAT THEY TRY TO AVOID IT. So, it is not surprising most organizations wind up getting the worst out of conflict without ever experiencing the benefits it can bring. To change this situation, leaders need to make conscious efforts to develop their organizations’ conflict competence. With all the other imperatives they face, why should leaders focus on improving their organizations’ capacity to manage conflict? Two key reasons emerge. First, conflict can cost organizations a lot in terms of wasted management time, turnover, absenteeism, grievances, lawsuits and, in the worst cases, sabotage and violence. Handling it effectively is a good form of risk management. In addition to lowering costs, organizations can use conflict to their advantage to boost creativity and enhance decision making. When conflict is successfully managed, teams are able to discuss and debate issues openly, which can lead to developing creative ideas, adequately examining alternatives and making sound decisions. Given these reasons, the question becomes, “How do you develop conflict competence?” It involves a combination of cultivating leaders’ and employees’ personal conflict management skills and aligning organizational values to support these new skills. Developing Personal Conflict Competence Most people look at conflict in a negative light, something they would prefer to avoid. When we ask them why it is so difficult for them to deal with conflict, they tell us that it is because they have never learned the necessary skills. When this lack of skills is coupled 40 October 2007 talent management magazine www.TalentMgt.com http://www.TalentMgt.com
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