The Recovering Engineer

OCTOBER 18, 2011

One of the common questions I get as I lead workshops and work with my coaching clients is: How do I decide it a conflict is worth the effort to resolve? I think this is a great question. Honestly, resolving a conflict can take lots of emotional energy. While I think it is generally a good idea to work with other people to productively resolve conflicts, I recognize that you do not need to invest this energy to resolve every conflict you might experience.

Short-term 209

Short-term Workshop Long-term How To 209

The Recovering Engineer

OCTOBER 10, 2011

Today, as I sat in an airport business lounge waiting for a flight, I overheard bits and pieces of another traveler’s conversation. I wasn’t trying to overhear. I just couldn’t help but overhear because his volume kept getting progressively louder. From what I could tell, he was engaged in a bit of a conflict conversation. I could also tell that he was making a common mistake that rarely, if ever, leads to conflict resolution and almost always leads to conflict escalation.

Travel 182

Travel Tips Productivity Products 182

The Recovering Engineer

OCTOBER 5, 2011

As I write this post, I am sitting in a hotel in the suburbs of Chicago getting ready for an afternoon session with a client I have known for several years. I am also reflecting on the fact that today marks the twenty-seventh anniversary of my commissioning as an ensign in the United States Navy. Many things have happened in that twenty-seven years.

Hotels 114

Hotels Workshop Travel Consultative 114

The Recovering Engineer

OCTOBER 20, 2011

Communication breakdowns are a common cause for conflict, and poor communication strategies can lead to rapid escalation. Likewise, effective communication strategies can help you correct these miscommunications to move conflicts quickly towards resolution. One idea that can help you choose the best communication strategy for the situation comes from what I call the communication continuum.

Guidelines 279

Guidelines Sharpe Strategy Tips 279