| Meetings in progress Conflict resolutionConflict resolution is a complex field and you may wish to read more about it in other resources. The key to conflict resolution is the capacity to communicate effectively and to focus on the problem. A volatile meeting is difficult for the Chair. Regardless of the cause, there are several things to remember in any situation:
Other hints for dealing with conflict Know the procedures Call for a break Close the meeting Sometimes, despite the best intention and efforts of the Chair, people will storm out of meetings or bad decisions will be made. You can only do the best you can, and learn from your experiences. You are chairing a ValleyView staff meeting to allocate office space in the new building. There are three offices overlooking the garden, and six staff members have put their names down for them. (The offices are not big enough for two staff members to share.) Emotions are running high. George, Manager of Acquisitions, claims that since he's been there the longest, he's entitled to have what he wants. Sophia, Manager of Editing and Publishing, claims she needs one because it would improve the workflow between her and the editors and desktop publishers. Stephanie, the Project Manager, argues that George will be retiring soon so there's no point giving him one. The other staff are not managers and are voicing their complaints that 'managers get everything'. Tim is saying he doesn't care, but he's glaring at the other staff, his shoulders are hunched and he's tapping his pen impatiently. How would you handle the situation? Keep a record of your response. |
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