Dealing with conflict
Featured in the Skills of Appraisal and Performance Review training manual
By Val Rowland & Ken Birkett
Category: Performance Management
Credit price: 3 download credits (Single user)
Appraisal systems aim to improve company performance whilst also helping people towards their aspirations. A centre-piece is the appraisal interview, which is often an annual event. Some interviews go well; others turn out to be very unsatisfactory for one or both parties. If conflict arises, then a major purpose of appraisal is nullified. People will not communicate well, in either direction, if they feel misunderstood, unappreciated or treated with disrespect. If any such doubts arise at the event, which is meant to be a focal point of attention to work and career progress, retrieval of goodwill may be a long process. Such feelings are not confined to the person being reviewed. A manager may come to the conclusion that their efforts on behalf of a subordinate are not recognised. When conflict arises, people may stop listening. They may stop having any sympathy whatever with each other’s points of view or needs. The meeting may rapidly become a waste of time. Neither the organisation nor individuals concerned gain anything.
The training activity opens with a brief outline of how conflict can spoil appraisal. Participants work in pairs to identify shortcomings that might lead to conflict during the performance review process. In groups, they then consider how to remove some of the causes of conflict. With a partner, participants examine how to deal with conflict if, despite careful planning and helpful behaviour, it should arise. The training activity closes with a summary review, drawing together the three aspects of conflict in appraisal.
Who is it for: This training resource is intended for use by trainers to help participants to consider the practicalities and work on counter-measures when conflict hinders communication.
| Resource Type: | Activity |
| Min Group Size: | 4 |
| Max Group Size: | 12 |
| Typical Duration: | 01:45:00 |
| No of Pages: | 19 |
Resources: View standard resources for Fenman training activities
Purpose: This training resource is intended for use by trainers, as an essential technique, for appraisal training course. It also has relevance in training for improved communications skills. It could be of value as a module within a supervisor training series.
Download the training activity, Dealing with conflict as featured in the Fenman training manual; Skills of Appraisal and Performance Review