Conflict Resolution

“An eye for an eye will only make the whole world blind.”

― Mahatma Gandhi

As a pacifist, Gandhi was an advocate of nonviolent methods of conflict resolution to campaign for India’s independence from British rule which inspired civil rights movements around the globe. His former work as a lawyer and ethicist, enabled him to artfully settle conflicts to attain a certain outcome.

Interpersonal skills are invaluable for project managers to possess. The ability to successfully resolve problems is an asset when managing teams to reach an overarching organizational goal.

Below is a step-by-step flowchart I’ve created for a situation I encountered in the workplace as a cashier with another coworker. Management had to be careful not to take any sides when learning from all involved parties and gathering details.

A mediator offers helpful feedback as an objective third party who isn’t emotionally involved. People primarily want to be heard and understood first and foremost. Sometimes, other alternative routes need to be planned in advance in case mediation does not resolve the issue.

In conflict, being willing to change allows you to move from a point of view to a viewing point – A higher, more expansive place, from which you can see both sides

Thomas Crum

It’s interesting to experience both sides of this quote: point of view vs viewing point. My conflict as a cashier (point of view) suddenly shifts into a different place (viewing point) as I’m studying the conflict in relation to my degree path of project management. Experiencing that conflict first-hand allows me to develop empathy and understanding for those who will experience the same events in the future as I potentially enter management roles.

Conflict is the beginning of consciousness.

M. Esther Harding