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In this month’s issue of HR News magazine, you’ll find lots of great information about the focus—conflict management—and so much more. In the first feature article, “An Interest-Based Approach to Workplace <strong>Conflict</strong>” (page six), author Stephen Erickson writes about how to work through a problem and, ultimately, to resolve it. “The reality is that conflict is all around us,” Erickson writes. “Indeed, a world without conflict would be dull and sterile. <strong>Conflict</strong> is necessary. It can be viewed as an opportunity for lively exchanges and productive growth—but only if it is approached in a way that focuses on solutions rather than causes or blame. One shouldn’t investigate to determine who is right and who is wrong; with a different approach, conflict does not have to be a contest over who is blamed and who is vindicated.” Roger Reece, in his article, “Improving <strong>Conflict</strong> <strong>Management</strong> Competency” (page nine), writes that, “when conflict is effectively managed, it can be instrumental in solving problems and building teamwork.” On the other hand, he writes, “When managers and supervisors lack conflict management competency, conflict tends to take a destructive path, creating enormous problems and breaking down teamwork.” Advertiser Index Company Page American Arbitration Association ......................................................................2 CPS Human Resource Services........................................................................4 Fox Lawson & Associates................................................................................24 <strong>IPMA</strong>-HR International Training Conference & Expo ......................................30 <strong>IPMA</strong>-HR Membership ....................................................................................C3 <strong>IPMA</strong>-HR Professional Certification ................................................................22 <strong>IPMA</strong>-HR Professional Development ..............................................................28 <strong>IPMA</strong>-HR Test Products & Services..........................................................C2, 32 Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research ..........................................................25 The Mercer Group, Inc.....................................................................................32 NEOGOV..............................................................................................16, 17, C4 FROM THE EDITOR Reece says it’s up to the HR department “to lead the charge toward more effective conflict management training, coaching and mediation programs.” In “<strong>Conflict</strong> Engagement Trumps <strong>Conflict</strong> <strong>Management</strong>,” by Cinnie Noble (page 12), Noble encourages individuals to take a systemic approach to conflict management—one that encourages conflict engagement. Doing so, she maintains, “will reduce the detrimental outcomes of ill-managed conflict on its bottom line and its human resources.” Noble writes, “Interpersonal workplace disputes may be a consequence of systemic, task related or relational problems that are inadvertently allowed to tear apart the workplace fabric. These situations are often compounded by organizational cultures that avoid conflict and react only when things escalate...” In the fourth focus article, “Managing <strong>Conflict</strong> by Managing Communication” (page 15), author Diane Bogino writes that it is important to realize, when dealing with conflict, that all people have different learning and communication styles. And, Bogino added, “There is more to conflict than just the conflict itself. Remembering to establish boundaries during the resolution phase is important. Attack the problem, not the person. Look at disputes from a point of view other than your own, and be willing to LISTEN.” Also this month, don’t miss the Successful Practices article (page 29), in which the city of Livermore, Calif.’s Support Our Staff program is discussed. In addition to Successful Practices, you’ll also find the Supreme Court Wrap-Up (page 20), in which you’ll read about the Court’s employer-friendly opinion on employer review of text messages and a ruling that opens the door for more adverse impact claims under Title VII. And, don’t miss this month’s CompDoctor column, by Jim Fox and Bruce Lawson (page 23), in which they discuss classification and compensation system reviews. You’ll read about all this and more inside this month’s issue of HR News magazine. We hope you enjoy it. —N Elizabeth Kirkland WWW.<strong>IPMA</strong>-HR.ORG AUGUST 2010 | 1 |
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