Conflict is one of the most feared aspects of managers' jobs. How we handle conflict depends very much on how we think of conflict generally, the person we have a difference with in particular, and also how comfortable we are in our own skin.  

 

The other day, I listened to an interview on 774 with Will Storr, author of "The Unpersuadables: Adventures with the Enemies of Science."   The book is about people who insist that their view of the world is the absolute truth despite all of the evidence to the contrary. Examples included the children of Nazis who continue to argue vehemently that the Holocaust never happened.

 

But the thing is, we all have a bit of this in us. When there is a difference of opinion, ours is generally right - right?

 

So imagine how many 'truths' there are. Every single individual in the world has a different perspective on the reality they experience - providing ample opportunity to have conflict.

The reason that we don't have more overt conflict than we actually do is that there are some people out there who will say nothing and let it simmer, or who are not at all threatened by other people's alternative views. These latter people are very comfortable in their own skin and tend to view such differences, not as an attack on them, but an opportunity to further develop their own perspective. Truth or reality is like a mirror ball - with every individual perspective we gain another angle, coming closer and closer to knowing the full story - or building a complete picture.

 

But the key is to lose any attachment to our stories or to being right. When we become convinced that we are right, we can become attached to this view, and stop hearing others, narrowing our perspective.  

 

So, whenever you feel compelled to defend yourself or your position, ask yourself, "What am I attached to - what if I let it go?"

 

Love to know what you think about this.

 

 

 
ACHSM - Health Leadership Symposium - Accelerating the Transition for Clinician to Health Manager

This Symposium will provide delegates the opportunity to hear individuals from diverse backgrounds come together to discuss and 'unpack' what the key priorities are for a successful 'transitional phase' from clinician to health manager. 
April 11th 2014, to be held at the Rydges on Swanston.

For more information and to register, click here.
Mastering Conflict
 For people who find conflict stressful and want to know how to manage it, others and themselves more effectively when conflict arises.
 
"Mastering conflict" is a one day workshop, that will give you the mindset, skills and process to deal with the tough stuff confidently and effectively. 
When: April 29, 9:00 - 4:30
Where: 312 Kings Way, South Melbourne
 
To register  click here  

The Power of No!
For people who are struggling to find the time and energy to lead a completely fulfilled life.
 
"The Power of No!" is a one day workshop, followed by mentoring sessions designed to energise you and give you hope that you can lead a more fulfilled life, and still get all the important stuff done! 
 
When: May 9, 2014 9:30 - 4:30
Where: Myrniong, 1 hour west of Melbourne
 
To register  click here 

Clinician 2 Manager
 The BLS for Nursing & Midwife Managers

For any nurse or midwife aspiring to become a high impact unit manager.
 
Join me and a small group of other managers like you in my on-line mentoring program.  You get one hour of mentoring per month focused on the real issues you face every day, developing the skills and strategies to deal with these.
 
When: 2 May, 2:30-3:30 PM

Where: In front of your computer!
To register click here. 


Join up
Follow-up Links

elisesullivan.com