Chapter 7: Managing Conflict

A Key Skill

The ability to handle conflict is a key factor in managerial success. Whenever we wish to make changes, there is potential for conflict. Furthermore, we not only have to handle situations in which there is conflict between ourselves and one or more other members of staff but may also at times have to resolve conflicts between our subordinates or, most difficult of all, to plot a course through the minefield of ‘politics’ when two of our peers or superiors are locked in struggle. In the last case, it often happens that one party will deliberately block anything which appears to be the initiative of, or have the backing of, the other, and progress may be difficult. On the other hand, ...