Workplace Solutions: Exploring Conflict Resolution and Dealing With Difficult People

Conflict isn’t one of those things that is “on” or “off”. It actually has stages and levels that cause tensions to build until there are problems. In this chapter we’ll look at two different ways to look at conflict

The Johari Window
The Johari Window is a technique that you can use to determine the effect of your behavior on others. This tool was created by two men named Joseph Luft and Harrington Ingham.

Open conflict is actually much easier to deal with than hidden conflict. When you know what the problems are, you can actually work to do something about them

Reaction #10 – Flight or Withdrawal.
If you react with flight or withdrawal, you’re likely to leave your job or even your career as a result of experiencing conflict or anxiety. You may also isolate yourself.

Reaction #9 – Resignation, Apathy, and Boredom.
This reaction is quite common in an employee that isn’t happy at work. If you react in this way, you hold back any personal or emotional involvement.
You simply don’t care whether or not you do a good job. Usually this is a result of not receiving any praise, reward, or encouragement for the work that you do.

Reaction #7 – Regression.
Regression occurs when you become less mature and reverts to lesser responsibilities in response to frustration.
For example, if you don’t get the promotion you wanted you might start spending more time on clerical work instead of your actual responsibilities.

Reaction #8 – Repression.
If you experience repression, you might cut off your experiences, feelings, and impulses that are disturbing because they cause you to feel bad about yourself or cause anxiety.

Reaction #6 – Rationalization.
Rationalization means justifying inappropriate behaviors by trying to provide an acceptable explanation.
For example, padding your expense account at work because “everybody does it”.

Reaction #5 –Negativism.
This consists of resistance that’s either passive or active. This isn’t something that you consciously do, rather an unconscious pattern.
An example of this would be having to attend a meeting you don’t want to attend and then picking apart everyone’s suggestions.

Reaction #5 –Negativism.
This consists of resistance that’s either passive or active. This isn’t something that you consciously do, rather an unconscious pattern.