Saturday, June 13, 2015

Resolving Conflict vs. Solving Problems

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.

The Real Virus Is Fear

There is a virus that is attacking and ravaging this country but it is not Covid-19.   It is fear.  This fear is being spread by people ...