A520.2.3.RB - Conflict Resolution

A520.2.3.RB - Conflict Resolution

In my role in my current position as a Lead M.E., I try to use leadership skills. Most of my team members are at least 10 years my seniors. I have Formal Power (an individual’s position in an organization) and Legitimate Power (power a person receives as a result of his or her position in the formal hierarchy of an organization), but that’s not going to work for team mates that feel that they have Expert Power (influence based on special skills or knowledge).

It is my job to make things LEAN (streamline), processes that are used to build the product (B787). There are times where information needed to be shared down line to other departments. But the way the information was stored there was no quick way to retract the information. This was the conflict that challenged me.

I and others assigned to a testing team worked with developers of the software system that is used to build the work instructions that are process and given to the mechanics on the production floor. The team suggested creating a simple folder to store any and all information used on and changes that are made to planning the is issued to production. And it was the responsibility of the team leads to get the M.E. teams to use it.

I have learn that using social influence tactics work best for me. Using logical arguments and facts to persuade another that a desired result will occur. Arousing enthusiasm by appealing to one’s values and beliefs. Asking for participation in decision making or planning a change. Appealing to feelings of loyalty and friendship before making a request. Persuading by seeking the assistance of others or by noting the support of others. Pointing out one’s authority to make a request or verifying that it is consistent with prevailing organizational policies and practices.

The result of asking and not demanding for my team to use the new functionality has not gain the full support of every team member. Some feel that this is an added step to an already long process. And think it is not needed. But 2/3 of the team is using and the benefits are showing in the response time it takes to find and gather the necessary information and report back to the department making the request.

Self-awareness. Simple concept. Challenging accomplishment. As much as it seems like we should all be able to assess our actions, an astonishing number of people go through life and relationships without any idea how their own behavior can impact their decisions, relationships and ultimately, their happiness.

References

Fishman, C. (1998, December 31). Sanity Inc. Retrieved from Fast Company: http://www.fastcompany.com/36173/sanity-inc

Kemp-Longmore, C. (2000). Conflict resolution in the workplace. Black Collegian, 131-133.

Levin, DDS, R. (2006). A Better Practice Conflict Resolution. The Journal of the American Dental Association, 391-392.