Conflicts within a value-added project committee or the board room of an operating business will not only divert attention away from important business issues but can also affect critical decisions relating to the viability of the business. However, conflict is a daily reality for everyone. Some conflicts are relatively minor and easy to handle. Others are greater in magnitude and require a strategy for successful resolution or else they will create constant tension and lasting enmity in the group. Knowing how to manage and resolve these conflicts is important for the overall success of the business. To resolve conflicts in your group read Resolving Conflicts between Business Associates.
There are other times when individuals in your group may be under stress which causes them to become emotional. If you have this issue, Techniques for Dealing with Difficult People can help you through this period.
Conflict is not necessarily bad. Properly managed, moderate doses of conflict can be beneficial. Conflict is the root of change and allows people to learn and grow and make better decisions. It stimulates curiosity and imagination. After conflict, closer unity may be established. To understand how to use conflict for your benefit, read Using Group Conflict to Improve your Project.
Family Business Tensions: The Good and the Not So Good provides you with a video/audio presentation on learning to work with creative and distracting tensions to strengthen your family business.
Managing Conflict in Family Business provides you with a video/audio presentation on insights to manage conflict.
More information on Conflict Management is available in the box at the right.