Managing conflict styles to accelerate leadership effectiveness

Area of Science:

• Leadership Studies
• Organizational Behavior
• Higher Education Administration

Background:

• Leadership effectiveness is crucial for influencing others' feelings, thoughts, and behaviors, particularly in higher education.
• Identifying key leadership skills can accelerate the transition from academic roles to leadership positions.
• Conflict management is a critical skill for enhancing overall leadership effectiveness.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify the importance of conflict management as a key leadership skill.
• To share an approach for understanding and developing conflict management styles in academic leaders.
• To provide insights into the origins and impact of individual conflict management styles.

Main Methods:

• A workshop, "A Leadership Primer," was facilitated as part of the Accomplishing Career Transitions (ACT) Program.
• The workshop utilized the Thomas-Kilmann Instrument (TKI) to assess conflict management styles.
• Methods included individual reflection, peer coaching, and goal setting.

Main Results:

• Participants, similar to other academic leader samples, showed a greater tendency to use a Compromising conflict style.
• Evidence suggests that a Collaborative conflict style offers more opportunities for effective leadership.
• The workshop and follow-up sessions provided coaching to increase flexibility in applying various conflict styles.

Conclusions:

• Conflict management style significantly impacts leadership effectiveness.
• Developing a flexible approach to conflict management is essential for academic leaders.
• Targeted training and coaching can help leaders adapt their conflict management strategies for improved outcomes.