What do you do if different agencies and organizations in Emergency Management are in conflict?

1 Identify the sources of conflict

In emergency management, understanding the sources of conflict is the first step to resolving any conflict. Common sources include a lack of communication and information sharing between different agencies and organizations, divergent or incompatible policies, procedures, and standards, competition or rivalry for resources, authority, or recognition, cultural or ideological differences or biases, and personality clashes or interpersonal issues. Identifying these sources can help you determine the level, intensity, and impact of the conflict, so you can choose the most appropriate and effective way to address it.

2 Use collaborative and integrative methods

The second step to resolving any conflict is to use collaborative and integrative methods that aim to find a mutually acceptable and beneficial solution for all parties involved. These methods include negotiation, which is a dialogue and compromise process that allows each party to express their needs; mediation, which is a process of facilitation and assistance by a neutral third party; arbitration, which is a process of adjudication and decision by a neutral third party; and consensus building, which is a process of deliberation and participation that involves all the relevant stakeholders. Applying these methods can help to foster trust, respect, and cooperation among the different agencies and organizations, as well as create a shared vision and goal for emergency management.

3 Apply conflict management skills

The third step to resolving any conflict is to apply conflict management skills that can help you to handle the situation effectively and professionally. Active listening, empathy, assertiveness, problem-solving, and creativity are all essential skills for successful communication. Paying attention to the other party without judging or criticizing them, understanding their feelings without necessarily agreeing with them, expressing your own needs confidently but not aggressively, analyzing the problem and finding the best solution, and thinking outside the box to create value for all parties are all important ways to build rapport and find common ground with different agencies and organizations. Ultimately, these skills can help you achieve a positive and constructive outcome for emergency management.

4 Learn from the experience

The fourth step to resolving any conflict is to learn from the experience and use it to improve your future performance and relationships. This can be done through reflection, feedback, an action plan, and evaluation. Reflection involves reviewing and evaluating the conflict situation, the actions taken, the results achieved, and the lessons learned. Feedback is a constructive and honest comment on the strengths and weaknesses of the conflict management process and outcome. An action plan identifies and implements changes to prevent or reduce future conflicts. Lastly, evaluation measures the impact of the conflict resolution process and action plan. These methods can help you grow your conflict management skills, knowledge, and abilities, while also strengthening collaboration with different agencies in emergency management.

5 Seek external support

When resolving a conflict, it may be necessary and appropriate to seek external support if the conflict is too complex, severe, or persistent for the parties to handle. This could involve escalating the conflict to a higher level of authority, such as a senior manager or director. Alternatively, experts such as lawyers, consultants, or researchers could be consulted to provide specialized knowledge or services on the conflict issue. It may also be beneficial to enlist allies such as partners, sponsors, or advocates who can support your position or influence other stakeholders. Ultimately, these sources of external support can help you overcome the barriers and challenges that prevent you from resolving the conflict, or enhance your capacity and leverage in the process.

6 Maintain a positive attitude

The sixth step to resolving any conflict is to maintain a positive attitude throughout the process. Conflict can be both a source of stress and frustration, as well as an opportunity for learning, improvement, and innovation. To keep a positive attitude, focus on the common goal of emergency management rather than personal or organizational differences. Appreciate the value and contribution of each agency and organization, rather than pointing out their faults or weaknesses. Seek out the positive aspects and outcomes of the conflict instead of dwelling on the negative ones. Remain open-minded, flexible, and willing to change and adapt rather than being rigid, defensive, or resistant. Lastly, be respectful, courteous, and civil instead of being rude, hostile, or abusive. Doing so can help you cope with the stress of conflict, build trust with different agencies and organizations, and ultimately achieve a successful emergency management process.