Thursday, May 5, 2011

Resolving Conflict

Preached last Sunday on “Resolving Conflict in Relationships” got some “Good” Feed-Back (a refreshing change J) If you missed it you can order the CD from our office (203) 261-2728 ……

This morning in my in-box I got this article from a pastor/leadership mentor. Thought it was too good not to pass on…. Trust It Blesses & Equips..

In every life situation involving people, whether among family, friends, or co-worke

rs, there will be potential for conflict. In fact, if relationships are normal, conflict is inevitable. It stands to reason then that learning to deal with conflict successfully should be our goal, especially those of us who desire to lead our Families to Better Places or guide an organization toward profitability.

Here are 10 tips for more effective handling of conflict in your life:

1. Understand the battle. What is the real source of the conflict? Make sure you are addressing the real issue.

2. Find the right time and place to confront the conflict. When emotions are high is not good timing for dealing with conflict. Personal conflict should not be handled in public.

3. Examine yourself first. Sometimes, the issue is personal to you, and you are only blaming others for your problem.

4. Consider the other side of the conflict. Put yourself in the other person’s shoes and consider their viewpoint in the conflict.

5. Do not overreact to the issue or overload on emotion. Stick to the issue at hand.

6. Do not dance around or sugarcoat the issue or disguise it in false kindness. Sometimes, we fail to address the conflict because we are afraid of how the other person may respond or we are afraid of hurting feelings. The avoidance usually will cause more conflict eventually.

7. Do not allow the small disagreements to become big disagreements without confronting them along the way. Minor conflict is always easier to handle than major conflict.

8. Be firm but gentle. Learn the balance between the two.

9. Work towards a solution. Never waste conflict, but use it to make the organization and relationships better. The best-case scenario is a win-win situation, but ultimately, the conflict needs to be resolved with the right solution.

10. Grant forgiveness easily and do not hold a grudge or seek revenge. Healthy families and teams handle conflict and allow it to make the organization stronger.

Face “Your” Conflict the “Right-Way” and just watch God Bless You!!

Deb & I are Praying for YOU!

Will You Pray for US?

Those are my suggestions. How do you handle conflict? (Leave a Comment)