I’m often asked about how leaders resolve difficult
issues. One of the things that leaders
are required to do, if they lead well, is to be able to handle the more
difficult issues in a way that brings reconciliation and resolution.
When I was in industry, one of the common responses I heard too often from many of the managers is that a particular difficult decision was, “above their
pay-grade.”
Resolving conflict is an issue that Jesus addressed as
well. Jesus recommended that a person giving a gift at the altar
go quickly and resolve a conflict (Matthew 5:23). In Matthew 18 the instructions that Jesus
gave to the church included 1) going directly to the individual, 2) bringing
others into the issues when necessary, and 3) finally, telling it to the
church.
We all need to follow the Biblical instruction on resolving
conflict. One of the additional
comments that I offer in these circumstances is that there is a difference
between resolving an issue and solving a problem.
Leaders would benefit in understanding that not every
problem can be solved, however,
leaders have the opportunity as well as the responsibility of resolving conflict and making the
difficult decisions.
Resolution doesn’t mean the issue has been solved; it means that leadership has
made a decision. They
have dealt with the issue conclusively. As it has been resolved, it is finished or
done. The resolution can then be
communicated where necessary, and it is no longer an issue that needs to be
addressed.
Often, the resolution may not be ideal but may be necessary
based on the present understanding, resources and needs of the
organization. Leaders can and must
make the tough decisions. Leaders are unfortunately
often the last to know when and others are looking to them to act and act
decisively when conflict is becoming destructive or even distracting.
