Look closely at the individual factors in an equation, and chances are you will understand enough about them to put the pieces together and solve the problem. This is also possible with phrases that contain some very distinct pieces. Look at those items closely, understand what they mean separately, and it is much more likely you will understand just what the phrase is meant to convey.
Try this, beginning with the word “conflict.” The word stands alone as a disagreement, a clash, or being at variance with some other idea or concept. A conflict is a battle or struggle, sometimes between ideas or actions. There are many ways to resolve a conflict, of course, ranging from physical activity between two people who hold opposing views. The issue might be settled by discussion between the two as well. Those are just a couple of examples of how serious differences might be settled or brought to some agreement, though the outcome is not always positive for both parties.
How Do We Manage?
The next piece of the puzzle—or the next factor in the equation—is “management.” While this word has a variety of meanings depending on the specific application, for current purposes the goal is to manage conflict. Of course, when someone manages they are handling a situation, putting things in working order, and supervising the situation so the process continues to work smoothly. At times, managing means listening to different views of the same situation and guiding the parties to some sort of resolution.
Finally, there is the essential word “training.” In the simplest terms, this word means that people learn, become educated, and develop the skills necessary to carry out a specific task. The word is based on the word “train,” which means to put things in order, as with the individual cars of a train. When we acquire specific skills during training, people learn certain steps that produce a result.
Transformation :
All of this taken together means an individual learns skills that help him or her manage and resolve differences (conflict). In an industrial setting, these skills may mean the difference between a product or service reaching the intended market. In a business office setting, conflict management training can prepare someone to find a result that will be best in the long-term, though the individual parties may not see it at the time.
In the larger view, the goal of conflict management is to transform the issue, to change it so the individuals or groups in opposition see it differently, and understand more about the other point of view. Sometimes that change is accomplished by asking the right questions. In almost every situation, the resolution draws closer because of sincere listening. Throughout this process all individuals must recognise their situation as unique, with specific items that must be addressed. Those who engage in this special task support both sides, and endeavour to guide individuals to a position of clarity that allows them to manage the issues on their own.
