Leading Through Conflict

Fight or flight? These are the options that are generally cited when one deals with a conflict situation. I have found myself practicing both responses at one time or another. These approaches have longlasting negative consequences for both the minister and the congregation. How about a third choice? Can a leader find ways to deal with conflict in a constructive way? How about "facing it"?

One of the skills that we need to learn is leading THROUGH conflict so that we can come out on the other side with positive results. This requires a high level of maturity and discernment.

Susan Nienaber, a senior consultant at The Alban Institute, studied 12 congrations that had successfully recovered from serious conflicts and reported her findings in the article Susan Nienaber: Leading through conflict Faith & Leadership

I think you will find it interesting and a beginning point for developing skills to lead through a conflict.

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