There will always be conflicts. Conflict creates the need for change, and conflict occurs as the result of change. We define a conflict as:
- a struggle between two or more individuals over perceived differences about substantive issues, or
- a struggle over perceived differences about relational issues.
A substantive issue might be the correct procedure to follow or who gets what resources. A relational issue might be about how much autonomy or how much control each person has within a relationship.
Conflict can be uncomfortable, but it is not always unhealthy. And the question a leader should ask is not, “How do I avoid conflict?” The question should be, “How do I manage conflict effectively in order to produce positive change?”
If conflict is managed effectively and productively, the result is less stress, more creative problem solving, and strong relationships between team members and between leader and followers.
You can click here to access the whole article, “Conflict Is Inevitable,” on the OBA website.
by David Sakrison, Executive Director of the Wisconsin Leadership Institute.
Abraham Lincoln is universally regarded as the most revered president in American history. Lincoln ended his first inaugural address as follows: "We are not enemies, but friends. We must not be enemies. Though passion may have strained, it must not break our bonds of affection. The mystic chords of memory, stretching from every battlefield and patriot grave to every living heart and hearthstone all over this broad land, will yet swell the chorus of the Union, when again touched, as surely they will be, by the better angels of our nature."
The Better Angels Declaration of Interdependence:
Our Mission, Vision, and Values in Eight Bullet Points
- We share stories about our core values – courage, compassion, continuous learning, community service, and fun.
- We challenge others to fear not, pay attention, think twice, and help the helpers.
- We celebrate education, moral behavior, servant leadership, and good humor.
- We fight against fear, hatred, ignorance, apathy, and greed.
- We choose collaboration over competition, hope over cynicism, harmony over unity.
- We believe that the meek have already inherited the earth.
- We help others help others.
- We trust others to help us help others help others.
