It is inevitable that you will experience conflicts in the workplace.  You may have a challenging boss or a coworker with whom you don’t see eye to eye.  The issue may be big or small, but no matter what the case, the conflict must be resolved to better your work environment and to foster personal and professional growth.

One organization came together in 2005 to promote awareness of conflict resolution strategies and to help professionals work through disagreements.  It was titled the Association for Conflict Resolution and aims to support the following initiatives:

  • Promote awareness of mediation, arbitration, conciliation, and other creative, peaceful means of resolving conflict;
  • Promote the use of conflict resolution in schools, families, businesses, communities, governments, and the legal system;
  • Recognize the significant contributions of (peaceful) conflict resolvers; and
  • Obtain national synergy by having celebrations happen across the country and around the world on the same day.

2005 also saw the first Conflict Resolution Day on October 20th.  It is celebrated on the third Thursday of every month.  The ACR coordinated efforts with other conflict resolution organizations and reached out to local, state, and international groups to build interest in holding celebrations in conjunction with Conflict Resolution Day.  In 2005, events were held in Canada, Portugal, and 22 U.S. states.

The ARC website has a long list of Conflict Resolution Day activity suggestions that include holding a Mock Mediation, creating a conflict resolution pledge, constructing a peace quilt, and recognizing conflict resolution leaders in your community.  Through the website you can download an app with a Conflict Resolution Activities Calendar, print Conflict Resolution buttons, or enter the fourth annual Conflict Resolution Day Peace Poetry Contest.

For a greater understanding of the various conflict styles and some valuable and effective steps to take in resolving conflict, check out the following article from the Mind Tools website, which provides “essential skills for an excellent career.”

Mind Tools Conflict Resolution:

http://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newLDR_81.htm

Association for Conflict Resolution:

http://www.acrnet.org/

Knowing how to work through those tough work place situations will help you persevere in any job environment you choose to pursue!

Posted by Casey Anderson, Career Services Career Assistant

Day 5:

“You know, like nunchuck skills, bowhunting skills, computer hacking skills… Girls only want boyfriends who have great skills. Forget flower bouquets and work on developing some captivating skills.”  – Napoleon Dynamite

So, what are your skills?  Master your 30-60 second infomercial or “elevator speech”!  Oh, and leave out your “computer hacking skills.”

This will arm you with all you need to begin an intelligent and effective conversation with employers.  If you’re not sure what to say, visit Career Services and we will help you!  Here are some ideas of what to include:

  • Where you are now? (degree, program, year in college)
  • Where you have been? (career-related experience, leadership experience, part-time work experience)
  • Where you are going? (future goals)
  • A question for the employer

Here’s a great example:

“Hello. My name is Lucy and I will graduate in May 2012 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English. As a student here at OSU, I have had the chance to gain leadership and organizational skills through my involvement in the English Club. In addition, I have worked for two years as a server at the Annex allowing me to gain valuable customer service experience. I am seeking a full-time position in the field of public relations for next summer. Can you share with me any opportunities within your organization that might fit with my skills and experience?”

Day 7:

In your “Pursuit of happyness” make sure you set your expectations…

You are responsible for making the most of a job fair. This means that you should begin with clearly defined and realistic expectations. You may not receive a job offer at the fair, but it is realistic to assume you will make a significant number of employer contacts. For most candidates, success will depend on effective follow‐up after the fair.

Day 8:

Be aware of employer expectations…

Some employers are only collecting resumes; some may not be able to accept any resumes and may ask you to submit application materials online. Some are building/assessing an applicant pool; some are ready to fill specific vacancies.

Some will expect you to express your interest by already knowing about their organization; some will view this day as a career fair/information gathering process. Most employers will expect you will follow up if you are interested. All employers expect you to be professional, willing to initiate conversation and able to highlight your strengths.

Day 10:

What to ask employers…

First and foremost, questions should be natural. Be yourself. Don’t rifle your questions; maintain a flow.

Here are some sample questions to ask organization representatives:

  • What kind of entry‐level positions exist within your company?
  • Do you offer internships?
  • If so, what percentage of interns are offered positions after graduation?
  • What does your company consider the 5 most important qualities in an employee?
  • What courses do you suggest in order to be a successful candidate?
  • What personality traits are important for success in your company?
  • What made you chose this company?
  • How long have you been with the company?
  • What goals does your company have for the next five years and beyond?
  • What are the next steps in the hiring process?

Day 11:

Don’t be fooled…

A common misconception is that an accounting student should only look for employment at accounting firms for example.  However, what you must remember is that most businesses have an accountant on staff.  Don’t discount a company because you think they are specifically an “engineering company,” because guess what, that engineering company also needs an employee to handle their marketing, people to run their HR department etc.  Moral of the story, there will be a wide variety of industries represented at the fair but don’t assume that your major won’t apply to certain companies just because of the industry they’re in.