Conflict is an inevitable part of any workplace. It arises when two or more people have different perspectives, values, opinions, or ideas on how things should be done. While it can be difficult to manage and resolve conflict within an office setting, there are tools and techniques that can be used to help ensure that everyone’s needs are met and respected. One such tool is the talking stick. In this blog post, we'll explore the benefits of using a talking stick when tackling office conflict too.
What is a Talking Stick?
The talking stick is an ancient tool used by Indigenous people in North America as a way to manage group discussions and decision-making processes. It is believed that when someone holds the stick, they have been given the power to speak without being interrupted. The person with the stick has control over who speaks next and for how long; no one else can speak until they have relinquished control of the talking stick.
How Can a Talking Stick Help Resolve Conflict at Work?
Using a talking stick in the #workplace can help foster mutual understanding between those involved in a dispute by providing each person with an equal opportunity to have their say without #interruption or judgement from others. This allows all parties involved in a disagreement to express their needs and concerns in order to gain clarity on what led to the conflict and come up with solutions together. Furthermore, it helps create an environment where everyone feels respected and heard which can lead to more productive conversations and better outcomes overall.
Additionally, using a #talkingstick also serves as an effective time-management tool since everyone knows that they only have so much time to speak before they must pass the stick onto someone else; this prevents anyone from dominating all of the #conversation which can often lead to further disagreement or frustration among those involved in a dispute.
Conclusion
The use of a talking stick may seem like something out of ancient folklore but it actually has relevant applications for conflict resolution today. By giving each person involved in a dispute an opportunity to voice their perspective without interruption or judgement from others, it fosters mutual understanding between those involved and encourages better decision-making through collaboration rather than competition. CEOs should consider introducing this simple yet powerful tool into their offices for successful conflict resolution among employees!