Handling Conflict

Yesterday, I pulled into a private parking lot to visit a friend when a woman backed out of her parking spot into my left rear fender. We both got out to inspect the damage and I walked over to speak with her. She began bellowing at me in righteous indignation. She accused me of several wrong-doings and I calmly explained given where the damage occurred that it would not be interpreted as my fault. She postured and threatened to call the police and I encouraged her to do so. After much abuse, she got inside her car, I thought to get her cell phone to call the police. I moved my car out of the way into a parking spot and got out. To my amazement she pulled out of the parking lot and drove off like a bat out of hell.

During our interaction, I thought about how one would determine or evaluate the cause of the damage or who was at fault. Analytical skills would come into play. Later, I thought about how people handle stress and conflict. In a job situation, these are critical skills. The number one reason people get fired ( outside of trying economic times)is that they have poor interpersonal skills. They are difficult to deal with.

Surveys of recruiters have shown that the top 5 skill sets they look for in a job candidate include communication, time management, critical thinking, interpersonal and leadership skills. Integrity is also high on the list. Recruiters will ask the job candidate in an interview to describe a situation or an experience that they have had to show how they handle difficult people or conflict. We all have had problematical situations to resolve. Think about how you deal with conflict. What story would you tell?

It is important on many levels to be self aware. It is a sign of maturity that companies value. While it is important to be technically savvy, emotional intelligence strengthens successful outcomes.

My hope is that very angry, insecure woman will take time to reflect on her behavior.