Cindy Pontes

LEPS 580
October 17, 2018
October 17, 2018

To: Management Staff

Subject: Conflict Resolution System

Unresolved conflicts have had astronomical costs on our Department; from destroyed
relationships, absenteeism, poor morale, and lawsuits. According to Cloke and Goldsmith, if we could
calculate the total amount of time, energy, money, and resources that are routinely wasted on
unresolved workplace conflicts…the total would be staggering (Cloke, Goldsmith, 2011, page 308-309).
As your Chief, I am committed to implementing a conflict resolution plan to increase morale and reduce
costs. I know change can be difficult and part of my conflict resolution plan is to create a more
democratic system. The system implementation will start with the management team. I am looking
forward to new ideas.

The first technique to implementing the conflict resolution plan is Team Building (Cloke,
Goldsmith, 2011, page 314). Our management team needs to buy into the new democratic process. We
will meet away from work at an escape room. I will personally cover the cost of this team building
exercise. Team building will allow everyone to break down barriers, and have fun while working
together as a team to get out of the escape room. This experience will create opportunities for open
dialogue and allow the management team to work together outside of the work environment. Team
building exercises will be held quarterly.

The second technique I will utilize is Public dialogue and open forums (Cloke, Goldsmith, 2011,
page 314). This technique will be used with Department personnel along with the community we serve.
We will have a public dialogue and open forums during briefings, training days and staff meetings to get
input and feedback from all levels within the Department. Employees will be encouraged to speak freely
in a respectful manner. I am open to all ideas on how we can improve our conflict resolution plan. We
will also hold public forums for the community to speak freely and provide feedback and input to our
Department. There is conflict in our community and resolving the conflict with the communities we
serve will help address the conflicts within the Department.

The third technique that will facilitate the plan is Supportive confrontation (Cloke, Goldsmith,
2011, page 314). No one wants to hear negative things about themselves. However, it is important to
provide honest feedback to personnel if you genuinely want them to improve. I will encourage my staff
to give me honest feedback, and I will listen actively and make the necessary changes in my behavior.
Leading by example will help others to follow suit. Once my staff understands I am fully committed,
they will commit themselves to provide honest feedback also. When feedback is provided in a
supportive way, positive changes will occur.

This plan will take some time to implement. I believe in achieving change through evolution, not
revolution. The plan will succeed in creating a democratic environment and resolving conflicts.
 Cindy Pontes
LEPS 580
October 17, 2018
References

Cloke K., Goldsmith J., (2011). Resolving Conflicts At Work; Ten Strategies For Everyone On The Job. San
Fransisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.