Dealing with Conflict at Work

Hi Everyone,

Tuesday's class discussion will focus on handling conflict and confrontation in the workplace. Please read the article by Rhonda Scharf on overcoming your fear of confrontation and conflict.

Please consider the following questions:

1. Rhonda writes that a former colleague has conversations in his head with people he's angry at. Do you ever do this? Why? Does it help or hurt you?
2. How can we prepare for a confrontation? Why is this important?
3. What's wrong with sentences that start with "I feel...."?
4. Why does Rhonda advise you to "stop talking" in step 2?
5. How can arguments result from this method? What is the problem with arguments?
6. Why is it important to have a "resolution" figured out BEFORE you engage in the "confrontation"?
7. What does "negotiate, but don't fight" mean? Can you think of an example from your work life?

In addition, please watch this video on Conflict Resolution. We'll watch this again in class too!

Here's an online comment from someone who watched it:

"This is a great video on conflict resolution. There are many people who would rather avoid conflict, but I believe that approaching it head-on while remaining calm is the best way to resolve any issue."

Is this what you believe? Do you approach conflicts "head on" or avoid them?!?