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Attention to Detail, Discipline is Key

Executive Summary: In order to master conflict, we must abandon the techniques of running or attacking and instead move into the most strategic position of genuine concern.

Stop Running

How can I live in freedom? How can I have any real peace? Are these questions you have asked? Are they questions those you care about have asked? If so, one critical change you can make is to leave behind the “right/wrong” worldview and step into the freedom of seeing what brings life in every situation.

If your idea about how to feel peace is to go to Maui for a week, well you might be right…But…I guarantee, although the scenery is nice, it won’t be nice enough to bring you what you’re really looking for.

To experience lasting peace, we first have to be disabused of our 21st century consumerized versions of peace and conflict. Even though we’ve been led to believe it, peace is not the absence of conflict. You cannot escape conflict…no matter where you go.

The Mastery of Conflict

Peace is the mastery of conflict. In order to master conflict we have to see it in 3-D. That is, if we are going to make effective use of the conflict we experience, we have to have a strategy besides avoidance or denial.

• Level One - Problem Identification

o Level one is the recognition of the problem and its identifying patterns and characteristics.

o This level deals primarily with the recognition that something is out of alignment (either external or internal).

o Problems fall into three types:

1. Relational - A type of problem that is centered on intrapersonal interaction usually revolving around communication and expectations.

2. Conceptual - A type of problem that is centered on the incorrect application of some type of information or knowledge.

3. Executional - A type of problem that is centered on a tactical skill or competency.

Problem Solving

• Level Two - Problem Solving

o Level two deals with understanding how to bring the problem to a successful close or resolution. Problem solving is a skill that allows us to move from identification to an appropriate method of minimizing damage.

o In order to effectively solve a problem, one must first properly identify it and then apply a solution based off a leveraged position relative to those experiencing the problem.

o A foundational technique in problem solving is “reverse engineering” the problem.

Discerning the Design

• Level Three - Discerning the Design

o Culminating in the mastery of conflict is level three. This level of engagement allows for maximum leverage, exponential growth, and success in dealing with conflicts of every kind.

o Instead of resisting or resenting the presence of conflict, a level three approach is to actually be grateful for it. That’s right! Be grateful for it. This gratefulness comes from a recognition that the conflict is revealing something that otherwise would have gone unnoticed and only cause more damage in the future.

o In order to discern the design of a conflict, we cannot fear it or resist it. On the contrary, the approach is to ask, “What is this problem designed to do? What is the big picture? What is this problem accomplishing?

o This level of dealing with conflict is trans-rational. It is not irrational, but yet it is more than just rational. It is the heart of “turn the other cheek,” or “he who is without sin cast the first stone.” It requires significant training and a heart that is full of genuine concern for everyone involved. Level three, therefore, is the most strategic and allows the maximum amount of leverage.

In order to master conflict, we must abandon the techniques of running or attacking and instead move into the most strategic position of genuine concern. Those who only identify problems and stop at level one are typically very negative, glass half empty people. Those who move to level two and live to solve problems are like the man with a hammer…everything, and I do mean everything, is just some type of nail…that needs more hammering!

However, for those who see problems as a necessary part of the journey, seeing that problems guard power and therefore are keys to growth and life; for those who reach level three there is peace and a tremendous amount of leverage. Take this strategic system into your daily strategy time and focus on it. Use it today and watch the things you used to dread melt away into tools for prosperity and freedom. Now you’re on your way to building integrated systems that serve the long term success of your business.

Here's to your success!

Eric J. Beck - Founder

Total Integration Executive Program & Productivity Suite