Conflict Management Skills-Cooperative Power
Managing individuals can anticipate conflict and solve smoldering conflicts, involving
all stakeholders in the decision-making. They come up with solutions that address
everyone’s interests and are mutually beneficial. This approach to dealing with conflict
is characterized by the use of joint problem-solving techniques, respectful
communication and the pursuit of win-win solutions.
Cooperative management mechanisms can reduce conflict potential by:
• providing a forum for joint negotiations, thus ensuring that all existing and
potentially conflicting interests are taken into account during decision making;
• considering different perspectives and interests to reveal new management
options and offer win-win solutions;
• building trust and confidence through collaboration and joint fact-finding; and
• making decisions that are much more likely to be accepted by all stakeholders,
even if consensus cannot be reached.
When faced with a statement that has potential to create conflict, managers must ask
open questions to re frame resistance. They should explore the difficulties and then redirect
discussion to focus on positive possibilities.
