Conflict Climate
When I was in the Marine Corps I recall the conflict climate as one that was more harmful than nurturing. The majority of us were relatively young and for the first times in our lives being charged with important responsibilities that included managing other lower ranked personnel. Some of us were able to handle it better than others; from my observations those that did not have some type previous managerial or leadership experience were more likely to abuse their power of authority thereby fostering an unhealthy work atmosphere of distrust and avoidance, in many cases “fostering a competition cycle that eventually becomes violent” (Abigail & Cahn, 2011). Examples of this type of behavior that I have experience from some in senior enlisted ranks included many instances of thromises[1] such as, “if you get these weapons cleaned before lunchtime we can secure early and go home, if not then we will stay late until I decide they are clean”.
When I was in the Marine Corps I recall the conflict climate as one that was more harmful than nurturing. The majority of us were relatively young and for the first times in our lives being charged with important responsibilities that included managing other lower ranked personnel. Some of us were able to handle it better than others; from my observations those that did not have some type previous managerial or leadership experience were more likely to abuse their power of authority thereby fostering an unhealthy work atmosphere of distrust and avoidance, in many cases “fostering a competition cycle that eventually becomes violent” (Abigail & Cahn, 2011). Examples of this type of behavior that I have experience from some in senior enlisted ranks included many instances of thromises[1] such as, “if you get these weapons cleaned before lunchtime we can secure early and go home, if not then we will stay late until I decide they are clean”.
After awhile I began to notice a pattern and become able to better predict the type of person that would eventually utilize that form of power abuse and it never ceased to amaze me how many people shared those particular traits; inexperienced, insecure, and just overall unsure of themselves in that type of position. However, in the military leadership style is just as important as leadership skill and it often if not always resulted in the success of those whom practiced conflict management by leading by example, shared power and taught others how to do the same, as opposed to those who simply resorted to the “do as I say, not as I do or else” approach. It should be noted that those who practiced the latter style of leadership while not learning how to comfortably and adequately manage conflict more than likely did not last long in their leadership position.
The military has recognized this as a serious issue in that the type of management a soldier receives will directly affect their choice in staying in or getting out of the military. They understand that retention is important and over the years have taken steps in order to foster a more nurturing environment. Professional Development Courses are now given throughout the course of a military person’s career that teach better leadership and management skills to include classes given by both civilian and military instructors as well as leadership development courses that are required to be successfully completed before certain ranks are achieved.
Abigail, R. A., & Cahn, D. D. (2011). Managing Conflict Through Communication. Boston, MA: Allyn & Bacon.
[1] Thromise- message or threat that sounds like a promise. (Abigail & Cahn, page 105).
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