 | | Navigator #193 |
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| | |  | | Greg Smith
Lead Navigator |
PERSONAL MESSAGE FROM THE CAPTAIN OF THE SHIP Lots of exciting things taking place here at CYC International. Many trips, meetings and conventions coming up. One of the biggest projects taking place is a total redesign of our website. We hope to have the new website up and running by the end of the month. In addition, we have created a new website dedicated to products, books and resources. If you get a chance, check it out at Chart Your Course Store. Also, please welcome Sarah S. Stewart to our crew as our new Public Relations and Marketing Specialist. Stewart has a background in journalism, marketing and social media strategy. She is passionate about leadership development and talent management. We are glad to have her on board. Helping you Chart Your Course!  | | Cathy and Greg on recent trip to Quebec |
Gregory P. Smith President and Lead Navigator 
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Three Steps to Manage Conflict in the Workplace
"Conflict is inevitable, combat is optional." - Max Lucado. As a leader it is important to know how to deal with conflict in the workplace. Disagreements that go unresolved can hurt productivity and employee morale, while ongoing conflicts consume managers' time. So how should leaders deal with conflict in the workplace? How can they plan ahead using tools and techniques to better understand their employees and help them resolve conflict? First, it is important for leaders to understand the temperaments, motivations and personalities of their workforce. You can go about this in a haphazard way, but smart leaders harness metrics to identify different work styles and personalities. There are a number of different assessments offered in the today's marketplace. One of the tools Chart Your Course International relies on is the DISC (Dominance, Influence, Steadiness and Compliance) assessment system. Many of our tests can be completed online, in more than 30 different languages, with results available in minutes. With the knowledge gained from these metrics, managers can better understand their staff, set up teams and play to individual strengths. Second, leaders need to create a system where employees can ask for help with conflicts, and let them know that system exists and that they are encouraged to use it as needed. An example would be putting one HR person or manager in charge of initiating conflict resolution, and circulating that information to employees. Third, leaders need to deal with conflict as it arises in a professional and constructive manner. Here are a few guidelines from my book "Fired Up: Leading Your Organization to Achieve Exceptional Results." - Talk to each side separately before conducting a mediation.
- Set strict guidelines for respectful, unemotional discussion before the meeting.
- Focus on the issue, not individual personalities.
- Do your research and don't rush a decision.
- Encourage the groups to come to a solution they both are comfortable with.
While conflict is not necessarily fun, it can actually improve relationships, operations and productivity if handled correctly. More articles |
| Five Conflict Resolution Styles According to the Thomas-Kilmann Conflict model, people typically take one of five approaches when dealing with conflict. - Competitive: Conflict is a competition, a debate; winning is more important than work relationships or facts.
- Collaborative: Conflict is resolved by the group in a cohesive manner, maintaining relationships and improving operations.
- Accommodating: One party or group capitulates, but the issue is not addressed.
- Compromising: Both parties make concessions.
- Avoiding: Parties avoid discussing the conflict, and leadership allows the issue to fester.
A collaborative resolution is typically the best way to resolve conflict in the workplace. Both parties are heard and the issue is addressed. Based on discussions, facts and mediation, the manager or leader helps find a fair solution that is good for the business and its employees. |
 | | Sarah S. Stewart
Public Relations and Marketing Specialist |
Sarah Spears Stewart is now part of the Chart Your Course crew! Stewart has a diverse background in journalism, public relations, photography and graphic design. She spent her early career working as a writer/reporter at The Rockdale Citizen and The Atlanta Business Chronicle. Later, she worked as a communications specialist for The Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning, managing internal communications and writing Web site copy and press releases. A native of Atlanta, Stewart is the author of "Newcomer's Handbook for Moving and Living in Atlanta," an extensive 366-page guide on the city. Stewart is passionate about business and the evolution of today's market due to smart phones, social media, cloud computing and other avenues, which are changing the way companies operate and communicate with both employees and customers. She is excited to join the family at Chart Your Course International, working with Lead Navigator/President Greg Smith to help businesses accelerate their individual and organizational performance. Stewart resides in Marietta, Ga., with her husband and two sons. |
WHO IS SPEAKING AT YOUR NEXT MEETING?  Keep us in mind if you need a speaker, trainer or facilitator for an upcoming meeting or conference. If you want to ensure your next meeting is a huge success, consider Greg Smith. Feel free to call Greg or his staff to discuss your program needs or e-mail any questions you might have. Visit our website for a list of Greg's dynamic keynotes and workshops. http://www.chartcourse.com/workshops.html |
| Upcoming Training Opportunities |
DISC Certification Training Program (Live Webseminar) Individual personality styles and preferences have a direct impact on our interpersonal relationships at home and at the workplace. People differ from each other in fundamental ways including their values, behaviors, talents, temperaments, wants and beliefs. Our DISC training programs and assessments help hire the right people, reduce conflict, improve communication and unleash team performance. Upcoming class dates:
October 9, 15, 17 3:00-4:30 November 13, 15, 26, 29 3:00-4:30 Click below or call for more information |
 Customer Service Training Programs Five Customer Service Training Programs for All Industries Customer service training programs for businesses and healthcare organizations will help you provide exceptional levels of customer service. Training Programs |
 Fired Up! Leading Your Organization to Achieve Exceptional Results Build a high-energy workplace that accelerates performance, generates more profits, increases sales and provides outstanding customer service. $24.95 Free U.S. shipping More information |
 TNT for Teams: Dynamic Ways to Reward, Energize & Motivate Your Teams
Money is important, but survey after survey shows the greater importance of appreciation, reward and recognition, and a fun work environment in attracting and retaining the workforce. Over 230 Reward and Recognition Ideas to Improve Job Satisfaction and Employee Engagement! |
If you find our information interesting, please send it to your friends. The Navigator newsletter is received by over 35,000 subscribers in 49 countries, in addition to other websites and magazines. Copyright 2012 by Chart Your Course International--reproduction for publication is encouraged, with the following attribution: "Chart Your Course International, by Gregory P. Smith, Copyright 2012. Sign up and receive free articles, tips and newsletters at Chartcourse.com (770) 860-9464 (800) 821-2487 
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