___________________________________________________________________________________________
We are dedicated to bringing out the best in you and your
employees
___________________________________________________________________________________________
Volume 3, Number 22 November 1, 2002
http://www.psychologyforbusiness.com/
___________________________________________________________________________________________
Psychology for Business is an e-mail newsletter written by
Dr. Lynda Dahlke, Dr. Paul Glass, and Dr. John Weaver, business psychologists and independent consultants. It is published bi-weekly.
You’ve received this newsletter because you’ve subscribed to it or it was
forwarded to you by a friend or colleague. To subscribe sign up at our website,
http://www.psychologyforbusiness.com/.
If you wish to unsubscribe, please see the end of this e-mail for easy
instructions
Privacy Statement: We will not distribute the address of any subscriber to
anyone.
We invite you to forward this newsletter, in its entirety, to your colleagues.
___________________________________________________________________________________________
In a recent study reported in the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology,
(October, 2002) Drs. David Holman and Toby Wall noted that designing jobs
in which workers have more control over how their work is done resulted in
employees who are able to learn quicker, use their skills more effectively and
experience their jobs as less stressful. Control is a critical factor in
creating an emotionally healthy workplace.
___________________________________________________________________________________________
This newsletter was originally published on March 23, 2001
CONFLICT AS A BAROMETER OF ORGANIZATIONAL HEALTH
by Dr. Lynda Dahlke,
Business Psychologist and Independent Consultant
Is there conflict in your work setting? There should be. Some level of
disagreement is necessary in your organization or you could be in real trouble.
A workplace without any conflict is in danger of being "static." Conflict can
provide information to management as to how things are going within the
organization. However, too much conflict, conflict poorly managed or
unacknowledged is costly in lost time, productivity and personnel. Effective
management of conflict can improve employee retention and productivity.
Types of Conflict
Robert Bacal of Bacal & Associates identifies two types of conflict:
1.) Constructive conflict—issue oriented
2.) Destructive conflict—personal; fueled by emotion
Constructive conflict, which deals with issues, can create the opportunity for a
better outcome than either party’s original idea or position. While issue
focused conflict can be productive, if managed effectively, destructive conflict
is almost always an energy-sapping force in the organization. Destructive
conflict is personal, not usually about issues. Generally, this type of conflict
is about emotions and therefore is difficult to problem solve. Frequently the
involved parties are not interested in solving the problems. Often these
individuals become invested in "looking" for problems and the situation gets
worse over time.
When faced with a conflict, first determine what kind of a conflict you are
dealing with. This isn’t always easy. Ask yourself questions such as:
"How do I feel about the other person involved?"
"Is my emotional investment in this conflict equal to its importance?"
Remember, no one wins in a personalized conflict. If the conflict can be
redefined as a discussion about issues, the situation can improve.
Often it is helpful to redefine a conflictual issue as an opportunity. Working
collaboratively to solve problems is an essential skill for survival in today’s
workplace. Wherever people work together, conflict is inevitable, so be prepared
to confront conflict. You must recognize conflict and understand the dynamics in
order to seize the opportunity for a "win-win" resolution.
Are you Comfortable with Conflict?
Would you define yourself as a rottweiller or an ostrich? Often management
expends a great deal of energy in the suppression of conflict. This is
counterproductive and frequently escalates conflict. Instead, the focus should
shift to the management of conflict to optimize an organizational potential.
Effective conflict management enhances employee retention and productivity via
improved morale. If conflict is suppressed in an organization, it becomes like a
cancer to the organization; it goes underground and presents less opportunity to
be managed. So, although you don’t need to become overly aggressive in your
approach to conflict, you can’t afford to "stick your head in the sand" either.
Common Causes of Conflict
1.) Poor Communication
If there isn’t enough clear information being given to employees in a timely
manner, their perception of control is decreased, causing feelings of insecurity
and powerlessness. These feelings cause destructive stress in an individual.
2.) Lack of Trust
Trust is essential for cooperation. Again, clear communication between
co-workers, management and employees is the basis for trust.
3.) Unclear Organizational Goals
The lack of clearly defined organizational goals leaves room for disparate
agendas among employees. Well-defined, frequently communicated goals are
essential for maximum organizational effectiveness.
4.) Job Insecurity
This can be experienced as powerlessness and a lack of control that contributes
to discord.
5.) Perceived Unfairness
Consistent, clear communication of policies and anticipated changes, as well as
opportunities for employees to collaborate in establishing policies will help to
decrease perceptions of inequities in the workplace.
6.) Conflict Avoidance
If conflict is avoided, it almost always resurfaces in an escalated form.
Warning Signs That Conflict Has Gone Underground
1.) There are ongoing tensions between individuals and departments.
2.) Employees have given up trying to solve problems.
3.) Privately, employees complain and sub-groups split off to ruminate about
problems.
4.) No team efforts are evidenced—everyone’s motto is "cover yourself."
Tips to Diffuse Destructive Conflict
1.) Management needs to deal with conflict and deal with it promptly. Don’t let
it escalate.
2.) Listen. Listen to employee issues, and then paraphrase (repeat what you
heard in your own words).
3.) Acknowledge and address employee’s feelings.
4.) Problem solve the issue.
5.) Re-address the feelings involved.
6.) Get an outside mediator if conflict continues.
7.) Be a role model. Employees watch how you deal with conflict and anger in the
workplace.
Consequences
Constructive, issue-oriented conflict is a sign of health in a dynamic, thriving
organization. Personal or destructive conflict can drain precious resources and
can even lead to violent reactions. Effective management of conflict in your
organization can enhance your bottom line by creating a culture for increased
innovation, retention and productivity.
How are you handling conflicts in your
organization?
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
"Between 25
percent and 40 percent of Fortune 500 companies use executive coaches"
Recent survey by The Hay Group, an International Human
Resources consultancy
Did you know that
executive coaching is
not geographically limited? Coaching by telephone is effective.
It is also an efficient use of time and resources. You never need to leave
your office to travel, nor do you need to pay travel expenses for your coach. We
offer coaching either onsite or by telephone. To
find out if coaching is right for you, contact us to schedule a free 1/2 hour
consultation. Or request a price sheet to determine the best value for
your organization. Call us at:
(262) 789-2728 or email us at
mailto:ldahlke@psychologyforbusiness.com.
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
About the Author
Lynda Dahlke, Ph.D. is a
licensed psychologist and business consultant with over 20 years of practical experience working with individuals
and groups from diverse backgrounds and levels of responsibility. She excels at
delivering concise, actionable guidance and recommendations. Lynda specializes in
pre-employment assessment, professional coaching, conflict
management, assisting organizations to work with difficult individuals and
personalities and organizational diagnostics/consulting.
Based in Waukesha, WI, Dr. Lynda Dahlke is
available for consultation or coaching by phone, e-mail or in person. She may be
reached at (262) 789-2728 (office), by e-mail at
mailto:ldahlke@psychologyforbusiness.com
or:
Lynda Dahlke, Ph.D.
Psychology for Business
200 South Executive Drive, #101
Brookfield, WI 53005-4216
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
NEW for our readers!
10 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Coach
Also receive your copy of 9 Ways to Motivate Your Workforce by visiting http://www.psychologyforbusiness.com/motivate.htm.
If you are interested in having Dr. Weaver
speak for your organization, contact him at
mailto:jweaver@psychologyforbusiness.com?subject=SPEAK .
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
To order your copy of the book, MANAGING DIFFICULT PERSONALITIES IN THE WORKPLACE: A Manager’s Practical Guide, by Dr. Paul Kenneth Glass, send your name, address, number of copies desired and a check made out to Dr. Paul Kenneth Glass for $12 per book (plus $2 shipping per book). Or order 10 or more copies for $10 per book and $6.95 for shipping (up to 50 copies). No fluff, this book gets right to the point. Send orders to:
Dr. Paul Kenneth
Glass
Psychology for Business
2717 N. Grandview Blvd. #303
Waukesha, WI 53188
Email:
mailto:pglass@psychologyforbusiness.com
To order the booklet: 41 WAYS TO IMPROVE THE EMOTIONAL HEALTH OF YOUR WORKPLACE, by Dr. John Weaver send a check for $6 and a self-addressed, double stamped business size envelope to:
Dr. John Weaver
Psychology for Business
2717 N. Grandview Blvd. #303
Waukesha, WI 53188
If you would like to order multiple copies,
send an email to
mailto:jweaver@psychologyforbusiness.com
to request a price sheet. Order in quantity and save.
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
Archives:
All of our previous newsletters are archived
at
http://www.psychologyforbusiness.com/eNewsletter.htm. Check out the series on The Vitamin C’s of an
Emotionally Healthy Workplace, the
series on Dealing with Difficult Employees, links to our Published Articles
and our newest series, Triple "A" Leadership.
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
To subscribe, visit our website at
http://www.psychologyforbusiness.com/.
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
If you would like to learn more about Dr. Lynda Dahlke
(mailto:ldahlke@psychologyforbusiness.com), Dr.
Paul Glass
(mailto:pglass@psychologyforbusiness.com), and
Dr. John Weaver
(mailto:jweaver@psychologyforbusiness.com) please visit us at our website:
http://www.psychologyforbusiness.com/.
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>