Remember that game at the Chuck E Cheese-type place called the "Whack A Mole"? The trick is to knock the moles back down into the hole as soon as you see them pop up. The more moles knocked down, the higher your points.
It's a great metaphor for conflict management. Interpersonal conflicts rarely explode instantly. They are a result of bottled emotions from small, unresolved issues that pile up until BAM! - conflict.
A healthy way to manage conflict is not waiting until a conflict needs to be managed. Instead interpersonal success happens by running to the problem once you sense a red flag and dealing with it right then. That way, the conflict never has an opportunity to grow to an unmanageable size. Here are a couple of examples of whacking a mole:
- "Hey Sue, you know yesterday when you said, ___? Well, it sounded like you were upset with me. Is there anything we need to talk about?"
- "John, I'm a little offended by what you just said. You're a good man and I value our friendship. Can I ask you to tell me more? Perhaps I misunderstood you."
As people helpers, conflict drains our energy and strips us of mind space we can devote to our service to others. Whack some moles every day and you'll be Serving Strong!
DISCLAIMER: This post is not suggesting you whack the other person (that would only intensify the conflict!). Rather, whack the problem :)
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