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