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Want to learn more? Take a deep dive…

Ashe-Edmunds, S. (n.d.). Conflict & cooperation in the workplace. Chron.
Gallo, A. (2010, May 12). The right way to fight. Harvard Business Review Blog Network.

Glaser, J. E. (2013, February 28). Your brain is hooked on being right. Harvard Business Review
Blog Network.

Manktelow, J. (n.d.). Resolving team conflict: Building stronger teams by facing your differences.
Mind Tools.

Job assignments
• Make peace with an enemy, someone you’ve disappointed or don’t get along with. Apologize for you
part in the conflict, encourage dialogue, and listen to find a solution for the greater good.
• Resolve a conflict between two people or two departments. Get clear on the values and positions of
each individual and gauge how that will play out during resolution efforts.
• Assemble a team of diverse people to accomplish a difficult task. Anticipate the natural conflicts this
will bring about and prepare to work through, rather than avoid, them.
• Enroll as a member of a union-negotiating or grievance-handling team. You’ll be exposed to
opportunities to practice staying calm and neutral when tensions escalate.
• Manage a group through a significant international crisis or conflict that is outside your home country.
Research and be clear on the cultural norms for dealing with conflict before stepping in.

Take time to reflect…

If you often get bogged down when disagreement arises…
…then understand that the end point doesn’t have to be win/lose. There are lots of other potential
outcomes. A conflict well handled can bring about great ideas and new possibilities.

If you often have firm views that lead you into conflict with others…

…then appreciate that your way is not the only way. Others may also have strong opinions. You
don’t have to agree with these views, but you will need to listen if you want to make any progress.

If you tend to get emotional when conflict is looming…
…then consider that emotions can turn a spark into an inferno. The last thing you want to do is
fan the flames. Keep your emotions in check. Manage conflict; don’t let it manage you.

“You only find complete unanimity in a cemetery.”

Abel Aganbegyan – Russian economist

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