Page 219 - An Indispensible Resource for Being a Credible Activist

CHAPTER 13

CONFLICT RESOLUTION

Learning sound methods of conflict resolution may be very different from what we learned
in our homes growing up, but what is important to know is that conflict among humans is
inevitable, and there are decades of research that have given us proven methods of conflict
resolution that we know work. Isn’t that great news? The solutions are there, if we want
them. Approach it like learning a new language, learning to use new software, or learning
to play a musical instrument; it can be done.
Being willing to learn conflict resolution skills requires being open to challenging your
thoughts and feelings. We know our brains sometimes lie to us. We know primal brain can
hijack rational brain. We know we sometimes are capable of not thinking completely ration-
ally, of being mistaken, or of jumping to conclusions. We also know that our primal brain
can affect our thoughts and that our thoughts affect our feelings and vice versa. Again, good
news! We can help ourselves respond differently than 2-year-olds, 12-year-olds, or 16-year-
olds when we have conflicts at work or anywhere. Practicing sound conflict resolution out-
side of work is good practice and generally good for us as professionals and as people. Given
how much time we spend at work and with our colleagues, it’s a good idea for conflict res-
olution training to be mandatory for all staff and to embed the use of sound conflict resolu-
tion skills into the culture of the organization. This is just another way to increase the
potential for joy and decrease the potential for sadness, fear, disgust, and anger at work.
This also serves to prevent bullying, harassment, discrimination, and retaliation.
For an example of how you might persuade your supervisor about the importance
of conflict resolution training, see the HR Tool entitled “Sample Memo Requesting Training
for Yourself and Others,” at the end of the chapter, on page 210.

BECOME TRAINED OR CERTIFIED AS A MEDIATOR

Mediation training is excellent for HR professionals, as it can only enhance your employee
relations, communication, leadership, managerial, and training skills. Many different levels
and types of mediation training are offered throughout the United States and the world.
Generally, when looking for a quality training, you’ll want to learn whether or not the train-
ing program is approved and endorsed by the HR Certification Institute (HRCI). Another way
to tell if a particular mediation training is of high quality is to check whether you can earn
continuing legal education (CLE) credits by completing it. It is also important that any medi-
ation training also provide you with ethical guidelines. In addition, before calling yourself a
mediator, you should check whether your state has professional mediation certification
guidelines or requirements.

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