Conflict Resolution: The Role of Self Control

"He who angers you conquers you."

Elizabeth Kenny
Australian Physical Therapist

Ms. Kenny is touting the benefit of self-control; something we attempt to instill in our children but don't always display ourselves.

Anger is the product of failed conflict resolution. What can management do to see that doesn't happen? Or is it best to let employees sort our their business and personal differences themselves?

By the way, "Australian Physical Therapist" hardly describes Elizabeth Kenny's life and accomplishments and if you don't know about her you might find further description interesting.

Decision Making: How Do You Know You Know Enough?

"It is impossible for anyone to begin to learn what he thinks he already knows."

Epictetus
1st Century Greek Philosopher

Critical data is central to effective decision making; without it what you decide may well be wrong. Of course the first decision you must make is concluding you have enough data to make good decisions.

How do you know when you know enough to act wisely?

Experience: The Wisdom of Gray

"By three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is noblest; Second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest."

Confucius

Think about it, do what others do, learn from what you've done in the past.

Numbers one and three strike me as similar if not the same and in any event are close. Learn from what is or has been.

What role does experience play in your organization?

Conflict Resolution: My Way!

"Many are stubborn in the path they have chosen, few in the pursuit of the goal."

Friedrich Nietzsche
Philosopher

It is easy to become more focused on one's own opinion rather than achievement of the group's goal. And this becomes even more so when there is a personality conflict between individuals.

If you don't like someone you probably won't want to do what they think is right.

Do you look for this in those you manage? If you do what if anything do you do when you see it happening?

Change Management: Finding the New Way

"Nothing is easy to the unwilling."

Thomas Fuller
17th Century English Historian

Regardless of all the supposed clamor for "change" in this country, when it comes down to it most people do not like to stray far from what they know even when their present circumstance is not good. "It's OK for the other person to change but not me." And as true as that is in our personal lives it is even more so in business.

Successful businesses continually evolve which means their employees must continually learn new things. For many this is traumatic and threatening and they fight the requirement to change along with the business.

Does your company actively seek new methods? What about the employees? How about you?