After completing the Conflict Resolution Questionnaire i took some time to reflect, not only because we were asked to but I truly wondered if my results would reflect a true analysis of my resolution style. I have to say it was fairly accurate. I like to see myself as a problem solver, and one who wants to ensure everyone is heard. It has also provided me with some areas I need to work on, which I already knew any way.
Yielding!
Results from McGraw-Hill (2018)
At first I was surprised that I scored so highly for this behaviour trait. Then I thought about my approach to working in my last workplace. Yielding seems worse that it sounds. I mean, if someone has a goal in sight and they came to me I would fairly often be accepting of their idea, but that didn’t not at a cost to my own. I would always ask myself “does this impact me and my own ideas?” if the answer was now then of course I would ‘yield’. I would also ask myself “is this a battle worth fighting?” also if the answer was no I would “yield”. However, if the answer was ‘yes’ to both of those questions then I would turn on my Problem Solving mode to ensure all parties needs were met.
Problem Solving!
Results from McGraw-Hill (2018)
My strength! Something that did not surprise me and this result gave me great comfort that I am true to myself in my approach to conflict. I love to solve problems for not only myself, but others around me. I am good at thinking outside the box to creatively solve a variety of problems. I particularly love it when I can solve multiple problems to help multiple people. We are asking our students, and staff, to be critical thinkers – I like to practice what I preach.
Compromising!
Results from McGraw-Hill (2018)
A special mention for my third strongest trait. As a leader, and a TL, we need to be able to compromise. Libraries are a hot topic at the moment, and our worth sometimes comes into question. In order to show our strength as leaders, and as a valuable contributor to schools and society, we need to be able to compromise a little in order to show how adaptable and supportive we can be. It comes down to ensuring that the needs of our clients, often students, are being met. I see compromising as an empowering trait. As TLs we see the school from a different perspective – we know what our leadership team want as well as our staff and students. We see the whole picture and can prepare students for the future, ww work with grades and departments, students and the Executive team. We know what everyone wants and how that fits into lifelong learning. Our vision of the big picture allows us to know when to compromise, yield and fight the good fight to solve a problem to meet the needs of the library stakeholders.
So all in all I have a pretty accurate account of my conflict management style and I am confident that these traits will empower me to lead with agility and strength, now and in the future.
References
McGraw-Hill Global Education Holdings. (2018). Self-Assessment 11.4: What is your preferred conflict handling style? Retrieved from http://highered.mheducation.com/sites/007040187x/student_view0/chapter11/self-assessment_11_4.html