In the last two blog posts about understanding conflict, we reviewed definitions, positive and negative effects of conflict, misconceptions, and how your emotional brain processes conflict. Today we are going to explore assumptions, what we think about conflict. Our pattern of thoughts can not only help the process of conflict resolution, but also influence our feelings about it. And yes, you CAN decide how you are going to think. Continue reading »

The ability to understand conflict and deal successfully with people has never been more important than it is today. Rapid change, insecurity, and a contentious society make conflict inevitable and rampant. Your ability to elicit cooperation can make the difference between success and failure.

Conflict is inevitable, and can even be healthy. . . Continue reading »

I’m in the process of refining my next small group coaching program which will start in January 2012. The program helps leaders with personal change, and I need your help. Continue reading »

Whether you are a leader trying to implement change in your department, or trying to change one work habit in yourself, there is one element that can be easily overlooked. Yet, meaning matters! When taken into consideration it can make the biggest difference for successful change.

According to Viktor Frankl, a professor of both psychiatry and philosophy at the University of Vienna, Austria (1905-1997), everybody has a deep seated need to find meaning. This applies to all areas of life.

If we follow his philosophy, we can say that in order for change to be effective, you need to find the deeper meaning of the change you want to implement: Will it contribute to pride in a job well done? Will it contribute to my deepest sense of meaning? Continue reading »