Conflict Management
Learn from Experiences
- When you find yourself in a conflict situation, use the Conflict Management Tool as you work through the situation.
- The next time an individual approaches you for help with a conflict situation, use this guidance and these strategies in this to develop a plan. Work with them through the process and offer support.
Learn from Others
- Find an experienced leader who manages conflict effectively. Ask that person to help you work through a difficult situation. Bring your ideas forward and ask for mentoring and feedback.
- Take the Conflict Styles Self-Assessment (US Institute for Peace based on TKI) to learn more about how you typically approach difficult situations. Different situations often call for different styles—discuss your results with a trusted mentor and explore how to adapt your approach when needed.
- Read the article "The Leader’s Role in Coaching Employees through Conflict," and discuss the concepts with a trusted colleague. This article will help you think about how you can help others navigate difficult situations and what you can do to improve how you handle conflict.
- Watch this TED video for ideas to plan for a productive conversation about how your department or program manages conflict. Focus the group on identifying ways to get “good at it” as Margaret Heffernan says.
Learn from Experts
- Conflict Styles Self-Assessment (US Institute for Peace based on TKI)
- The Leader’s Responsibility to Address and Not Avoid Conflict (Article)
- Strategies for Reducing Unhealthy Conflict in Our Lives (Article)
- Difficult Conversations (Book)
- The Conflict Management Tool Kit
- Margaret Heffernan: Dare to disagree (Video)
- Managing Our Fears When Engaging in Difficult Conversations (Article)
- Crucial Conversations Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High (Book)
- Turn The Tide: Navigating Difficult Situations (Book by Dr. Kathy Obear)
- Navigating Difficult Situations in the Workplace (Online Course by Dr Kathy Obear)
- Can We Agree to Disagree? Faculty-Faculty Conflict (Article)
- Conflict Keeps Teams at the Top of Their Game (Article)
- The Leader’s Role in Coaching Employees through Conflict (Article)
- Conflict Management Tool 2022 (Word Version)
- Conflict Management Tool 2024 (PDF Version)
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