Managing Conflict

Conflicts are unavoidable, particularly in districts with dedicated, highly motivated officers. But conflict can be a positive force for clubs and membership growth if it’s managed in a productive way. Here are a few tips for handling conflict:

Don’t smooth things over too quickly. Let people openly discuss their thoughts, feelings and problems.
Keep problems “in the open” long enough to deal with thoroughly. Make certain all of the facts are on the table.
Once the problem is out in the open, examine the conflict in light of district, division, area, club and personal goals. Frequently, conflict arises between people who are trying to achieve the same objective.
Settle issues only after all the facts have been revealed. Encourage consensus when possible.

Try some of these ideas, and you may discover that conflict often has a productive outcome.

[This article appeared in the November 2000 edition of District Newsletter by Toastmasters International.]

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