Step #1 –
Position Yourself
Step one in the Roadmap Through Conflict is about how to position yourself for good play.
I always say that you can’t build a castle on quicksand, meaning that you’ve got to be solid. Personal leadership is foundational to professional development. This is thinking ‘inside the box’, which is probably the most useful positioning work you’ll ever invest in. Conflict resolution is mostly an inside job. So, keep on learning and growing through your personal development.
Read great books, listen to audio, attend seminars and workshops to get a regular dose of leading yourself. I use a personal journal often to do my own ‘Work’ which builds my inner strength to increase my self-worth and confidence. If you write a clear vision of what you want, and you envision it often (daily), then you’re very likely to create it. Be response-able, humble, and stand strong in your vision of how you see yourself as a leader.
Also, when there’s turbulence in your work team, turn inward toward the conflict. A sandbox might have 4 corners, but it’s round on the inside. People play and work face to face, focused inward on one main mission. It’s instinctive to turn your back on conflict and retreat to your corner because when our emotions get rocked, we usually forget all logic and act from our reptile brain that wants to fight, flight or freeze. Trust me, you’ll grow in productive ways when you face the issues as co-workers or as a team. A wise Elder of the Anishinabek Nation taught me that the sandbox is round. Boy was he right!
After you work to Position Yourself, there are 7 more tips, so download the complete roadmap to move through conflict toward improved cooperation and collaboration in your workplace.
Relationships are important. There are times when entanglements require intervention. Reach out to an HR person, conflict resolution specialist, or mediator like myself. I’m committed to helping you restore your workplace to peace and productivity.
If you can’t find your way, call Penny Tremblay, because the high cost of conflict is avoidable, and profits can be used for better things.
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