SMART Goals and Conflict Management

Howdy!

So this is my last blog post on SMART goal making! I know, so sad! Well, today I'll be talking about how making SMART goals can help in dealing with conflict management or prevention of conflict. Because let's be real, most people don't like conflict. Personally, I'm an avoider when it comes to conflict in the workplace or at school. However, it is important to have some conflict management skills because conflict will arise when you're around other individuals whether you like it or not. That's just how the world is. BUT, conflict isn't always bad! It can be bad, but not always. Sometimes conflict can be helpful in breaking free of groupthink or it can help you grow into a better leader. So let's get started!

Here's a few videos to show us some conflict! (Yes, I had a little fun looking for videos, so there's quite a few. You can watch them all or just a few; they're for you!)

(I apologize for the inappropriate remark at the end of this one!)

(For the dance lovers like myself!...Yeah, I found a few...)

This piece portrays conflict that is external rather than between 2 people.

(I'd just like to point out that Alex, the "patient," is a ballet dancer who's never done hip-hop...he's kinda legit.)

Another Abbott and Costello...because I like them :)

1938 performance of Who's On First

Seen enough conflict? Great! Now, I realize that the only example that gives a good way to deal with conflict is the cancer piece, I'm simply giving examples of different ways in which conflict can occur. Now, let's look at the ways in which conflict management and goal making are related.

According to Trudel and Reio, "Poorly managed...conflict affects the level and frequency of future conflict and has a negative effect on employee learning, productivity, and job performance. Recent studies suggest that interpersonal conflict in the workplace is associated with counterproductive workplace behaviors" (Trudel & Reio, 2011, p. 396). Obviously, it is important to manage conflict! When conflict and crisis occur it's better to approach with the knowledge that as an emergent leader (or any leader for that matter) this could be a good learning experience. It could be quite difficult, but it would be better to try to learn from it than let it sink you like the Titanic; don't let conflict become your iceberg. (Too soon? I'll never let go...) Anyway, conflict management...it's a great skill to acquire when you want to be a leader. But how does that relate to goal making?! Well, I'm getting there; patience is a virtue, son. Now, let's think this through. If you clearly state the intention of a goal, where it's going, the time frame it will be in, what everyone's responsibilities are, the specifics, and make everyone see how reasonable it is--how likely is it that there will be mass chaos? Not very likely! Will there still be conflict? Well, probably because that's how people roll. HOWEVER, you could prevent some major conflict by clearly and specifically showing your people the goal AND could later manage conflict by pointing people back to the stated goal (depending on what the conflict is) to get their focus back. (Eyes on the prize people!) 

A LOT of conflict occurs simply from misunderstanding, and people will fill in the gaps of their misunderstanding even if it is inaccurate. So when you have presented a goal that is specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and time-bound don't you think that would help quite a bit with conflict that could potentially arise from confusion or misunderstanding? That 's one of the purposes of SMART goals, it doesn't leave a whole bunch of room for miscommunication. Communication = good. Miscommunication/lack thereof = BAD!!!

So, as an overall summary: goals are important and we all make them; SMART goals are a good way to organize a goal (specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, time-based); SMART goal making can help you in conflict prevention and conflict management (yay conflict management!) because no one likes conflict...except crazy people. (Just kidding, some people truly find it energizing...something I will never really understand...) Whether you are an emergent or a seasoned leader, conflict management and resolution are important skills to learn.

I really hope this has been helpful to someone out there. Now go out there and make me proud with your SMART goals and conflict management skill-building!

Happy goal-making!!!

Thanks and Gig'em!

Trudel, J., & Reio, T. r. (2011). Managing Workplace Incivility: The Role of Conflict Management Styles--Antecedent or Antidote?. Human Resource Development Quarterly, 22(4), 395-423.