Conflict Resolution

I expected to learn as a manager how to manage conflict between employees and between managers and employees.

I learned that Troy thinks that most conflicts can be resolved on a win-win basis. That would be awesome if it were true, but people are too stupid. I also learned that there are different conflict resolution styles, and that most people want to be the cooperative type. But in real life that is not the case.

I will use the information to try and be more open to methods of resolving conflict.

Personally, I would have liked to have heard more about how a manager can resolve conflict where they work. I would have liked to have been given practical examples and real stories of how managers have been successful in this. I have nothing to look to because all of my managers through my life have been terrible at this, especially if they were part of the conflict. They tend to deflect, lie, use their power, ignore, or justify themselves. How should a good manager act when there is conflict between them and one or more of their employees?

Motivation

Prior to class I expected to learn how to motivate others.

I actually learned about what motivates people in the workplace. I also learned that while there are some main things that motivate, everyone has different motivators. A manager has to recognize that their employees will need to be motivated in a variety of ways in order to get everyone on board.

I will use this information by paying attention to what motivates me and paying attention to what motivates others. When in a managerial position, I will make sure to ask people what motivates them and pay attention to how each person reacts to different motivators.

My personal feelings about the material is that it was interesting but could have given us even more ideas of how to practically motivate others, instead of just theoretically.