MANAGING CONFLICT

CONSTRUCTIVE VS. DESTRUCTIVE

PURPOSE

• Define conflict• Discuss the differences between

constructive and destructive conflict• Provide new tools for tool bag

WHAT IS:

Conflict - the opposition of persons or forces that gives rise to the dramatic action in a drama or fiction of or relating to

Constructive - construction or creation

Destructive - designed or tending to hurt or to destroy

As defined by Webster Dictionary

Destructive Conflict –

• Emotional• Argumentative• Critical• Ignores other ideas/information• Reject information without full

understanding• Refuse to agree or concede on

idea/information

Constructive Conflict –

• Explains, points out flaws• Presents evidence• Listens and ask questions• Considers all

ideas/information• Looks to obtaining an optimal

solution• Agreement meet with

consensus

CONSTRUCTIVE VS DESTRUCTIVE

VS

REMEMBER NOT ALL CONFLICT IS BAD

CONSTRUCTIVE CONFLICT CAN BE

- POSITIVE- PRODUCTIVE- POWERFUL

UN

DER

STAN

D T

HE

CO

NFL

ICT Morton Deutsch’s seven factors to determine

how constructively or destructively the conflict will go:

1. The characteristics of the parties2. The prior relationship between them3. The nature of the issue causing the conflict4. The social environment of the conflict5. The stakeholder to the conflict6. The strategy and tactics employed by each

party7. The consequences of the conflict to each

party

THE A.E.I.O.U CHART Attacking behavior – challenging Evasion – ignoringA AND E BEHAVIORS WILL WORSEN THE CONFLICT

Informing – reasoning Open behavior – active listeningUniting – reaching a consensusI, O, AND U BEHAVIOR WILL BRING RESOLUTION

UNDERSTAND BEHAVIORS

UNDERSTANDING EFFECTIVE TEAM BUILDING STAGES

FIVE STAGES OF TEAM BUILDING

1. Forming - excitement2. Storming - challenges3. Norming – respect established4. Performing - shared vision5. Adjourning (mourning) - stressful

Remember The Titans - Forming, Storming, Norming, Performing, Adjourning

BUILDING A CONSTUCTIVE FRAMWORK FOR TEAM

• Responsibilities and roles defined• Plan Of Actions and Milestones (POAM)• Develop a communication plan• Develop a conflict resolution plan• Establish a team charter

Note: if possible have a non-team member as the facilitator

THESE STEPS AND THEY

THEORIES ARE POWERFUL TOOLS TO ADD TO YOUR

TOOL BAG

What’s Your Message?RESOLUTION ACHIEVED

» http://managementpocketbooks.wordpress.com/2011/09/06/conflict-as-simple-as-aeiou/

» http://www.ehow.com/facts_5970490_constructive-vs_-destructive-conflict-styles.html#ixzz1daqtlJGp

» http://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newLDR_86.htm

» Images captured from http://www.google.com/imghp

» http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEJaz3sinEs

» Wolfe, Joanna, “Team Writing, A Guide to Working in Groups”

BIBLIOGRAPHY /RESOURCES