VOLUNTEER MANAGEMENT PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT SERIES

MANAGERS' LEARNING CIRCLE, Wednesday 16th September 2009

At this circle, we'll consider Conflict Resolution and Negotiation.

As this is fairly meaty, we'll need most of the two hours reserved for this workshop.

Conflict:

We all regularly face conflict. By developing our negotiation skills we can learn to settle disputes so that both parties feel they have gained something; that is, you achieve a win-win resolution of the conflict.

We often have to deal with different attitudes and personalities. (So do they!). We need to do this in a professional way. Our main aim for this section of the circle will be to help circle members develop their own procedure for managing a conflict. We'll be reminded to be sure there is a real problem, and that we are just not in a bad mood.

And, we'll try to identify the real issue or opportunity, not just the symptoms or personalities.

Negotiation:

Negotiation is the most appropriate form of resolving a conflict when both parties believe that not reaching an agreement will be more costly than reaching an agreement.

Each party has to be willing to make concessions in return for concessions from the other party.

We'll make the point that people are most likely to negotiate when they can see a win-win solution is possible.

I look forward to seeing you at the Circle.

Cheers,

Roger