Conflict Becoming the Norm (Part 2)
In a previous part, I wrote about how unresolved conflict can create
havoc in your business and can often end in a failed partnership. Today, I
share with you a story about a pair of clients I recently worked with.
(article continued below ...)
Sue and Vicki were partners in a service organization that thrived on new
membership and putting on events. Sue and Vicki had been coaching with me
for over a year and had learned well how to keep things running smoothly
running between them. Now they were stuck on an issue that they weren't able
to resolve on their own. They knew enough not to escalate it before their
next coaching session.
Vicki had decided that one of Sue's responsibilities had more appeal and
status than some of her own. Sue enjoyed the task and was loathe to
relinquish it. In our session when Vicki pressed, and because they had
developed deep caring for each other, Sue was ready to say a reluctant yes.
Before allowing that to be the unsatisfying resolution, I asked Sue to
explain what the task meant to her. She said that everything she did prior
to that task was build up towards it and that completing the task was
closure to a job well done.
Vicki had never looked at it that way. To her it appeared as an isolated
task. It was a revelation and she had a different understanding, backing off
of her request.
Sue looked relieved.
However, I wanted Vicki to feel satisfied as well, so I asked if any part
of her responsibilities gave her that same feeling of fulfillment. She
pondered for a few minutes and was able to affirm that a lot of what she did
was that meaningful to her and she preferred to continue doing what she was
doing.
What happened here? Conflict was averted early even before it became a
festering resentment.
And Sue and Vicki got a bonus -- they each achieved an appreciation and
understanding not only of the other partner but of themselves and the work
they did. Their self knowledge increased and their partnership bond deepened
even more.
Here is an example of another conflict with a different resolution. The
Home and Garden TV Show "Designing for the Sexes" is a brilliant example of
resolving conflicts for a win-win with very little compromise. A designer
goes in when a couple has two opposing views on how they want one of their
rooms to look.
A recent episode was about a husband who did the cooking and wanted his
kitchen to look like a restaurant, industrial and stainless steel
throughout. His wife wanted a traditional old world look. You couldn't be
farther apart than that.
I always appreciate how the couples (probably coached) never argue for
their point of view, but always in a reasonable matter of fact voice state
what they want or what they like or don't about a suggested item.
The outcome is always a beautiful room with very little compromise. What
I have observed is the designer is able to incorporate each person's wants
within other options that they hadn't even thought about.
In this episode, sleek wood panels on the cabinets and refrigerator,
stainless steel appliances, granite counter with tiles used as accents
created a look that thrilled and pleased both people.
Lesson to be learned: your way is not the only way. If you open your mind
and keep your emotions in check you could discover many other and perhaps
even more pleasing ideas than the one you think you must have.
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