Conflict Management
| "An eye for an eye only leads
to more blindness." |
| — Margaret Atwood |
Conflict is a natural part of our every day lives. However, conflict
left unresolved can damage interpersonal relationships and undermine
organizational effectiveness. Individuals with more developed Emotional
Intelligence skills have the ability to avoid creating destructive
and inappropriate conflict.
The martial art Aikido provides a great metaphor for conflict management.
Aikido teaches blending with your opponent to create a dynamic harmony
as you safely diffuse and control the situation by redirecting their
force.
In fact, the International Society of Conflict Resolution uses
Aikido principles to teach conflict management techniques.
We can use EI skills in a verbal Aikido by not reacting to the
other person's agitation. We can support them without agreeing with
them. Because they do not encounter expected resistance from us,
the other person is left off balance. From this position, it is
much easier for us to turn the issue in the direction we choose.
Conflict can be a very powerful positive force. When managed properly,
conflict can become collaboration that can lead to new ideas and
encourage innovation.
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