Leadership and Conflict

I conducted a program on Conflict Resolution this morning and found myself thinking about the conversations I overheard. Participants assessed their preferred style; the behavior of the employees involved, and explored how to work toward a more successful outcome.

If you buy Covey's assessment, that leadership is value based, what happens when there are competing values? Are the values of the leader 'more right' than the values of others? Is it a conflict when Management does not get agreement, cooperation or compliance?

Crafting solutions requires the exploration of competing goals, active listening, conveying respect and empathy for the other person, and awareness that you can not change someone else. It requires time, the interest, a strategy and skills. Conflict resolution is not "Because I said so."

Leading Diversity - How Do You Look?

The participants in today's program on Maximizing the Performance of Diverse Teams (sponsored by the MD Chamber of Commerce and co-facilitated with Sheela Murthy) wanted ideas about how to impact their leaders about diversity and inclusion. Many wonder if it truly valued. They don't see observable behaviors at the top that convince them that this is a genuine organizational goal or value.




I wonder how executive leadership would have reacted, had they been a fly on the wall. Just saying that diversity and inclusion are important ring hollow when no one sees diversity at the top, on the teams, or in the halls. Having people who are different than the homogeneous norm is good for the EEO report, but if people don’t feel welcome, respected and needed, then it’s all for show. Word gets out (because people like to talk), and soon everyone knows that the Leaders don’t mean what they say. If you can’t trust your leadership, it makes it hard to be a committed to the organization’s goals. Leadership should be more aware that people watch them very carefully.

Media - Typical Interview Questions for WMAR ABC2 Good Morning Maryland @9

I wanted to call this segment "Lazy Managers Interview Questions!" These questions are pretty predictable but often stop job applicants in their tracks. Once you understand what they are really trying to find out you can position the answer to address their concerns and position yourself in the best light.


View the Video

This is my third appearance on GGM@9 and I’ve been invited to return once a month for the Back2Work segment. I’m really excited about the opportunity. They like the energy and information I bring to the show and I enjoy being in the hands of professionals who make me look good. Everyone there makes it easy to be on TV which is NOT what I do on a regular basis. My next goal is to stop focusing on my hair being in my eyes and remember that I’m there to give good and interesting information. Hair bands and barrettes are not my best look anyway.