Executive Programs Help Resolve Problems
Brainstorm for Solutions!
by Loreen Sherman, MBA
Calgary, AB, In order to understand conflict resolution certain strategies are more helpful than others. One of the best is the use of brain-storming scenarios. Two common scenarios are conflict and descriptive.
Scenarios are similar to simulations. Each scenario allows the team leader to reflect on possibilities. Time constraints and other difficulties can be focused on. Brain-storming preventative measures reduces risks. Creative solutions help solve real problems.
Scenarios Help Improve Response Mechanisms
Conflict scenarios are an important step in pro-active problem solving. Conflict scenarios help managers identify both content and contextual elements. Content includes a range of variables from people, logistics and organizational structure; whereas contextual elements includes the 'why and how' variables.
Descriptive scenarios provide the contextual relationships to outline the stakeholders who may be involved in conflict. A key to resolution is to recognize potential pitfalls. Here is an example of a descriptive scenario to solve potential conflict.
Imagine for a moment, you are new to Whitehorse, the capital of Yukon Territory in Canada where you have been asked to lecture your respective clients on environmental awareness. The problem is that you are trying to arrange a meeting on July 10. The question raised would be why is this problematic?
As you brainstorm on this, different descriptive aspects are considered. The problem is posed with defined parameters so that the team leader can visualize the problem. The ability to see the geographic elements or the size of the population is some of the information gathered with the descriptive scenario.
When you look for the solution a number of approaches can be taken, here is one.
First, identify the exact measurements of the room; quanitification and measurements are an easy specification to work with.
Second, identify the resources availabe; work arounds are an ongoing part of managerial decision making.
Third, prioritize the importance of the problem; is this an immediate need or can it be post-poned?
Posing problems in this manner helps you as a decison makers look in advance to the conditions of the lecture. For example, travel arrangements and audience matters can be scoped with careful preparation.
Both scenarios allow management to use a case to outline a particular problem. The characters, setting and what happened form the backdrop. Every situation can be pulled apart to determine what went wrong, what worked, what could be corrected, etc. Evaluation using cases allows each manager to think about the situation and try to find creative and reasonable solutions.
Conflict resolution saves time, money and emotional costs. Conflict resolutions using different scenarios is an effective method used in Loreen's programs.
Get the support you need to help align your decision makers with tools to be proactive in their problem solving agenda.
Availability: Alberta, nationwide by arrangement and via telephone 403.289.2292.
###
Don't delay Call 1.877.896.7292 and ask for a consultation with Loreen Sherman.
