Calgary, AB, Benchmarking can do your company more harm than good if the indicators are not congruent with specified indicators. Benchmarking can be an arduous job with many different elements. The problem arises from too much information. The solution is to focus the collection of data on appropriate areas. One way to demonstrate this concept is to learn how adding another segment to the scenario helps to actualize the conflict.
An engagement scenario is a
specialized benchmarking tool to help in conflict resolution. In an engagement scenario the benchmarking of the business consultant specifically looks at criteria concerning possible stakeholders. To illustrate this imagine the context of some company trying to arrange an outdoor meeting in Whitehorse for July 10.
The first question to ask is why is this problematic for the chair? Unlike the descriptive scenario which outlines contextual elements, the engagement scenario involves the business consultant who enables the team leader to become a part of the problem. This involvement brings the conflict closer to home. In this example the team lead has to understand the cultural associations. These cultural associations can range from the dislike to outsiders to the special impacts of particular dates. What does July 10 symbolize? Is July 10 a special day? Who is not able to make the event appointed at this date?
The engagement scenario helps
leaders and managers actualize more constructive and real solutions. If the problem consists of cultural impacts then part of the solution would be to consider why someone would want to reach out to another. If the date has a holiday or an event attached to it, the attendance might be affected. These deeper considerations help the executive management develop a deeper understanding of the root issues in possible areas of conflict.
Root issues are often people related. Cultural deviations or variations are problematic. Engagement scenarios help the executive team benchmark by looking into other's perspectives.
Benchmark with the attitude of actualizing a solution:
1) Conduct research that answers specific questions.
2) Consider ramifications of proposal on cultural behavior.
3) Compare congruent factors.
4) Contact source information to get their perspective.
5) Contrast variables to ensure weighting is accurately placed.
This is important. For example, imagine that you are the owner of the hotel and have been called to see if July 10 is a good time to arrange a booking in Whitehorse. You know that the people value their short summer but you have an opening. Again, in solving any scenario the underlying question to ask is; why is this problematic? Answering this question when the benchmarking is conducted helps executives differentiate what matters, what is relevant and what will matter in the future. The answers to these questions provide the basis to weigh each solution.
Careful benchmarking to actualize a solution helps identify culture differences and increases culture awareness. Conflict scenario tools are just one aspect of good leadership development programs and seminars to help manage conflict. Organizational leadership benchmarks so that companies will have increased performance and productivity.
Availability: Alberta, nationwide by arrangement and via telephone. 403.289.2292 or Toll Free 1.877.896.7292
###