By James Castellano

There are several traits consistent with effective leaders. One in particular is creating healthy relationships with others. They see the value in building allegiances instead of walls. One sure way to develop and maintain these allegiances is through positive conflict management.

Conflict is often misunderstood, yet its definition is simple: two differing viewpoints toward a similar subject. It is not fighting or arguing to prove a point. This type of conflict generally results from lack of leadership and/or misuse of power. To be an effective, VALID leader, we must resolve issues and there is no resolution without conflict.

2 Corinthians 7:5 (NIV) and Galatians 2:11 (MSG) provide the mandate for Christian leaders to confront and face conflict. Conflict can be categorized in three levels.

1. Minor - issues that are not pressing and can be deferred to a later time. These may resolve themselves over time.
2. Normal - issues requiring awareness with easy resolution. Both sides come to agreement without prolonged negotiation or stressful discussions. Compromises work at this level because neither side is locked in to a specific viewpoint.
3. Major - issues deemed important with difficult and/or complex resolution. All sides are locked into their viewpoint and consensus is difficult to attain. Reaching agreement at this level may take significant time. Although these scenarios are demanding, this is where solid leadership takes control.

Recognizing conflict at its proper level provides clarity. At Level 1, an email or phone call may be sufficient; whereas, a direct, face-to-face confrontation may be necessary at level 3. Regardless of the level, focusing on the issue rather than the person is the best strategy. When the issue affects a group, allowing everyone to speak candidly paves the way toward resolution. The three types of resolution are:

1. Compromise - the lowest form of resolution. This works well for speedy decisions and those which are not of major importance. With compromise, one or all parties concede something and often feel resentment afterward.
2. Cooperation - mid level resolution. Agreement is reached to work together to find common ground. Although there may still be compromises, everyone leaves with a sense of accomplishment.
3. Consensus - the highest form of resolution. Agreement on the solution is reached. This should be the goal when dealing with complex and important decisions. Gaining consensus takes time and all parties feel like they won. Personal agendas and selfishness will destroy any attempt to achieve consensus.

Positive management of conflict and using the correct resolution creates an atmosphere of empowerment. Problems are identified quicker and solutions become readily available when positive conflict is encouraged. Tackle conflict head on and transform your leadership potential into results.

James authors the popular leadership blog, Leading The Way. You can participate in the daily discussions by visiting www.leadingisreading.blogspot.com. He also founded the concept of VALID Leadership and has published numerous Christian and secular articles.