Conflict Management.

Stress and conflict are facts of our daily lives. We encounter both at work and at home. Conflict exists when individuals or groups disagree or have differing values or goals (Donaldson, 1995). How we manage conflict depends on our comfort level. "Often people feel more comfortable addressing the conflict that arises in their personal lives rather than the professional conflicts that arise from the job setting"(Catalano, 2000, p. 307). Conflict arises from power; leading to issues that need to be resolved quickly through effective conflict management. A positive outcome is important to consider when dealing with conflict.

Teams can have differences that surface and cause tension in the work environment. "Conflicts can occur as a result of organizational differences or personality clashes."(Donaldson, 1995, Abstract section, ¶ 1). Health care by its nature and the service it provides is wrought with internal and external conflicts. In the article, "How to Make Conflict Work for You", Brandt (2001) expresses conflict can be constructive rather than destructive.

Nurse log, Quinault Rain Forest Nature Trail

Nurse Practitioner

Pelagic and Brandt's Cormorants at Montaña de Oro...

Good leaders, according to Brandt (2001) understand that even excellent nurses make mistakes, get angry, and have personal conflicts. To effectively manage any conflict the team leader will need to communicate in an open, honest, and assertive manner. The team members need to feel comfortable expressing opinions and understand their opinions are valuable.

Brandt (2001) gives some basics principles to consider when suggesting an appropriate solution during conflict:

* Listen actively.

* Don't interrupt or become defensive.

* Repeat the person's comments as objectively as possible.

* Request suggestions for dealing with the problem

* Examine options and decide on the best approach.

Health care by its nature and the service it provides is wrought with internal and external conflicts. According to Marcus (1999, p 1):

Health care work is accomplished via an intricately structures...