Leading through conflict is an opportunity to stretch your leadership skills. When someone comes to you to describe a conflict they are having that requires a decision or action from you, it is very easy to see it only from their point of view. A great mentor of mine taught me that there are always at least two sides to a story — sometimes even more than two sides. Before making any decision that you are asked, investigate to discover the other side.
Here is a little formula you might use:
Listen. Listen to the person. This is always valuable because listening doesn’t mean you agree or disagree.
Investigate. Let the person know you will investigate. Many times she will say “No, don’t do that,” and you can sense that maybe it isn’t a big deal, or that she is not looking for you to make a decision.
After you have heard all of the sides of the story, base your decision on three things:
Precedents – what you have done before
Potential – you are setting a precedent for the organization
Principle – your decision should align with your values
Leading with wisdom will serve you and your team for the moment and for the future.
{ 1 trackback }