APGO Scholars 2008Conflict Resolution
Douglas W. Laube, MD, MEd
University of Wisconsin
Lea Learman, MD. PhD
University of California at San Francisco
“I really didn’t say everything I said!”
Objectives
• At the conclusion of the session, scholars will be able to:– 1. Understand your own approaches to
dealing with conflict;– 2. Assess the control styles of your opposition;– 3. Indicate how you might incorporate winning
solutions into the resolution process;– 4. Effect compromise to develop lasting
change.
Conflict ResolutionAPGO Scholars
– Introduction to Conflict Resolution
– Thomas-Kilmann Instrument
– Case studies
– Group Discussion
– Summary
Communication style
• Are men from Mars?
• Are women from Venus?
• Individual variations
• Impact of role/perceived role
– Self
– Other
Conflict Situations
The concerns of two or more parties appear to be incompatible
Conflict Management Prerequisites
Know your style
Know the other party’s style
Your Styles
Two basic dimensions
-Assertiveness - satisfy self
-Cooperativeness - satisfy
others
These styles can both be useful
Key Points
“Conflict” is not necessarily a negative word.
Resolution of conflict can center on solutions, rather than magnifying problems.
Traditional Techniques for Conflict Resolution
Conquest
Avoidance
Bargaining
Quick-fix
Role-playing
A New View of Conflict
From perceiving conflict as always being…
A disruption of order, a negative experience, an error or mistake in a relationship.
To perceiving conflict as often being…
An outgrowth of diversity that might hold possibilities for mutual growth and for improving the relationship.
A New View of Conflict
From perceiving
conflict as always
being…
A battle between
incompatible self-
interests or desires
To perceiving conflict as often being…
One part of a relationship, a part that involves needs, values, perceptions, power, goals, feelings, and so on, not just interests or desires.
A New View of Conflict
From perceiving
conflict as always
being…
An isolated event we
allow to define the
entire relationship.
To perceiving
conflict as often
being…
Occurrences that
punctuate a long-
term relationship
and that can help
clarify it.
A New View of ConflictFrom perceiving
conflict as always
being…
A struggle between
right and wrong,
good and evil.
To perceiving conflict as often being…
A confrontation between differences in certain aspects of a relationship, but not to the exclusion of other aspects that are still there to build on.
Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Mode Instrument
Case Studies 1-3
Four Origins of Conflict
• Selfishness
• Pride
• Insecurity
• Resentment
Six Relationship Builders
• Committed
• Considerate
• Confidential
• Candid
• Constructive
• Consistent
“You can observe a lot by watching.”
The Yogi Book, 1998