Conflict is inevitable in any workplace, but it can also be a source of learning and growth. How can you use your creativity skills to find constructive solutions and improve your relationships with your colleagues? In this article, you'll discover six ways to develop your creativity skills and apply them to conflict resolution.
The first step to resolving a conflict is to understand what the problem is and why it matters. You can use your creativity skills to ask open-ended questions, listen actively, and empathize with the other person's perspective. Try to avoid making assumptions, jumping to conclusions, or blaming anyone. Instead, focus on the facts, the feelings, and the goals of both parties.
- Avoid making quick judgments or assumptions about the conflict. - Clearly understand and study the problem. - Put yourself in the shoes of others involved in the conflict. - Do not depend on self-created ideas brainstorming always helps to get different dimensions. Work with others to pool diverse perspectives and ideas. - Explore frameworks like the Osborn-Parnes Creative Problem-Solving (CPS) model or Design Thinking. - Embrace challenges and see them as opportunities to learn and grow. - Attend workshops, read books, or take courses on creativity and conflict resolution. - Listen attentively to understand the underlying issues and emotions.
En realidad no estoy de acuerdo con que el primer paso para resolver un conflicto sea resolver el problema, creo que antes de eso es de suma importancia la postura que se toma hacia el conflicto. Si esta postura no es de completa objetividad el problema y su importancia (para todos los involucrados) no se identificará con la profundidad necesaria para una solución verdaderamente sustentable. Una vez que de forma objetiva se identifican las características y el contexto del problema al escuchar generosamente a las partes involucradas, entonces estamos listos para la siguiente parte que sería formular las preguntas adecuadas.
The next step is to brainstorm possible solutions that could satisfy both parties. You can use your creativity skills to think of different options, perspectives, and scenarios. Don't limit yourself to the obvious or the familiar. Try to be flexible, curious, and playful. You can use techniques such as mind mapping, reverse brainstorming, or SCAMPER to generate more ideas.
A mi parecer, la mejor forma de empezar una lluvia de ideas efectiva es haciendo preguntas provocativas que ayuden a poner en perspectiva el problema, es decir, a poder apreciarlo desde diferentes ángulos. Por ejemplo, en un mundo ideal, ?cómo luciría la solución de este problema. O, ?si sólo tuviéramos un día para resolver esto, qué es lo más que podríamos hacer y por dónde empezaríamos?. O, mi favorita, ?qué no hemos hecho, que de hacerlo, marcaría la diferencia? Este tipo de preguntas de carácter provocativo nos invitan a evocar respuestas ingeniosas pues movilizan la mente a soluciones no tradicionales.
The third step is to evaluate the pros and cons of each alternative and select the best one. You can use your creativity skills to weigh the criteria, test the feasibility, and anticipate the consequences. You can also use tools such as SWOT analysis, decision matrix, or PMI chart to compare and rank the alternatives. The goal is to find a solution that is fair, realistic, and beneficial for both parties.
Ahora, naturalmente de varias opciones de soluciones nos preguntamos ?cuál es la mejor? A veces tenemos la suerte de decidirlo solos, pero a veces es una decisión que se debe tomar en equipo por lo que varias perspectivas deben ser tomadas en cuenta. A mi parecer, la mejor forma de poder escuchar estas perspectivas, es dividir a los involucrados en equipos para tratar de reducir el número de propuestas. Muchas veces no se tiene el tiempo para escuchar a todas las personas, por lo que consolidar ideas y presentarlas en equipo es muy útil para que el número de opciones se reduzco y por lo tanto las formas de resolver el problema se prioricen de manera adecuada.
The fourth step is to communicate the selected solution and implement it. You can use your creativity skills to present your proposal in a clear, concise, and persuasive way. You can also use storytelling, metaphors, or visuals to make your message more engaging and memorable. You should also explain how the solution will be executed, monitored, and evaluated. Make sure to get the agreement and commitment of the other party.
Muchas veces las grandes ideas no llegan tan lejos cómo pueden porque no se les distribuye adecuadamente. La forma en la que comunicamos y le vendemos a los demás una idea es tan importante cómo la idea misma, pues admitámoslo, se necesita apoyo de otros para que una idea se propague adecuadamente. Piensa en qué es lo atractivo de tu propuesta y ponte en los zapatos de quien te va a escuchar; considera qué historia o qué forma de contarle lo que está pasando le inspirará a sumarse como tu apoyo.
The fifth step is to reflect on the process and the outcome of the conflict resolution. You can use your creativity skills to assess what worked well and what could be improved. You can also use feedback, surveys, or self-evaluation to measure the impact and satisfaction of the solution. You should also acknowledge and celebrate the achievements and the learnings of both parties.
La conclusión de resolver un problema es en prevenirlo en un futuro. Esto se logra aprendiendo del proceso que se acaba de vivir, tanto de las experiencias positivas y negativas, pero lo ideal es ver objetivamente que hacer y que no hacer y documentar en un manual de procesos la forma esperada de hacer las cosas en un futuro. De igual manera asegurarnos de comunicar la solución a todos los involucrados.
The sixth step is to keep practicing your creativity skills and applying them to conflict resolution. You can use your creativity skills to seek new challenges, learn new skills, and explore new opportunities. You can also use journals, portfolios, or mentors to document and share your progress and insights. You should also cultivate a growth mindset, a positive attitude, and a collaborative spirit.
La práctica hacer al maestro en cualquier disciplina, quieres ser esa persona que cuando se presentan problemas piensa en soluciones como por arte de magia y todos piensan que es un genio/a, bueno esas personas son muy escasas, normalmente lo que hay son personas apasionadas por resolver problemas de forma efectiva y escuchan atentamente a las personas involucradas para eventualmente poder discernir sobre la mejor decisión para todas las partes.
A conflict like this soon turns personal. How often have we heard "Well, s/he would say that wouldn't they?" If you know of the conflict, everyone else does too & these things create a less productive & happy enviroment for everyone. Often the two perspectives polarise & it becomes hard to understand the other point of view. The first step is to defuse the situation - no-one likes working in such tension. Think outside the box. One time I saw a colleague secretly leaving a bottle of nice wine on someones desk every Monday. When revealed as the secret sommellier, they confessed that it was an apology for whatever they had done wrong. They wanted to apologise. This took out the sting & the two were able to resolve their differences.
Consider incorporating mindfulness and relaxation techniques to enhance creativity. Engaging in activities that relax the mind, such as meditation, yoga, or even simple breathing exercises, can help break down mental barriers and foster an environment where creativity flourishes. A relaxed mind is more open to exploring new ideas and perspectives, essential for creative problem-solving. Additionally, exposing yourself to diverse experiences, cultures, and knowledge can expand your thinking and inspire creative solutions to conflicts. Embracing these practices alongside your creativity development efforts can significantly enhance your ability to generate innovative ideas and solutions.