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Conflict is an inevitable aspect of life. If the process of conflict resolution is viewed as an opportunity for growth and change in a work environment, the potential for a positive outcome is great. On an individual level, the ability to solve problems or manage change plays an important role in one's success. In the same way, the overall ability of a company to solve problems through collaborative efforts, has a strong impact on the organization's bottom line and overall success.
When conflict is unresolved, it takes on a life of its own and eventually produces damage that could have been prevented. As an example, consider the NBA lock out last basketball season. The players may never have anticipated such a dispute and in that way failed to identify a problem. Because of whatever communication breakdown there was, defining the problem became impossible because it self destructed. On the surface, the problem was about money but obviously there was more to the story and more than enough money to go around. The problem was not managed effectively, so the opportunity to decide to work together was lost. Everyone ended up losing out as a result, even the fans. A more extreme and unpleasant form of unresolved conflict is war.
As a college student preparing to graduate, you can attest to the fact that the life of an African-American student is challenging, rewarding, fun, and full of obstacles to overcome. As you prepare to enter the work world, be armed not only with the many academic accomplishments and credentials you have painstakingly earned. Take with you the additional skills you have developed from solving problems and resolving conflicts that you've encountered along the way. Whether it was facing discriminatory attitudes, figuring out how to balance the work with the study of a work-study job or transforming the four walls of your dorm room into a home away from home, you have undoubtedly exercised creative problemsolving and conflict management skills.
When you began your academic career, you began by planning. Just as living up to the requirements of your chosen major has required a detailed plan of accomplishment, your career planning will require a carefully thought out series of steps to get you where you want to...