EFFECTIVE MANAGEMENT: THE 10 GOLDEN RULES

So your job title doesn’t include “manager”? Don’t lose heart as you’re most definitely managing something and you will most likely handle some management duty at some point in your career. But as an entrepreneur you’re already a manager because every one of your responsibilities has some management element to it.

Being an efficient manager isn’t about driving those you supervise or employees to work harder. Forcing people to work a certain way can breed resentment as well as disloyalty whereas being too soft can lead to habits of laziness or boredom.  There is no right management style this is because each employee and company is going to have an individual perspective and its own organization culture.

Universally there are obviously some wrong management styles that must be avoided. This can be done by following the 10 “golden” rules of effective management:

1.   Consisitency

Can be considered the first rule because it applies to most of the others. Before you’re effective as a manager you have to be consistent in your management style. Such as rewarding the same behaviors every time they appear, discouraging the same behaviors when they appear and treating every member of your team with an equal, level-head.

2.   SET THE GOAL OF WORKING AS A TEAM

If you want your team to work together, have them work for something together. Setting goals just for the department or one individual breeds a limited mentality and forces team members to remain isolated. Instead, give your people a unified focus and purpose, to inspire them together.

 3.   Clarity, accuracy and thoroughness in communication

The way you’ll communicate to your team will most likely dictate your eventual success. When relaying instructions, recapping meetings or just doling out company updates, strive for the clarity, accuracy and thoroughness of your communication. This goes for any other medium, whether that means in-person communication, email or a phone call. Clarity, accuracy and thoroughness are the best way to avoid miscommunication and keep your team on the same page.

4.   Reward and recognize hard work publicly

Whenever a team amber does something exceptional reward them with a bonus, a small trophy, or just vocal recognition. This done in from of the group will make the intended recipient feel good and show the other team members that hard work is rewarded. Just remember consistency as stated above will save you from being seen as playing favorites.

5.   PRactice What you preach

You as the visionary, leader, and manager should set an example in terms of your behavior. If you show up late, your team will be less punctual, if you lose your temper easily others will be amiss when it comes to checking their emotions in check, if you cut corners and are not honest, your team is likely going to be the same, if you’re corrupt or collect bribes so will your people. So by all means strive to be your own ideal perfect worker, especially in front of your team.

PS: You can schedule some time to have a chat with me if you need any help with different aspects of your business, I have grown to know a number of resources to help your business succeed as a business owner.

6.   Be AS Transparent as possible

I have learnt over time that as a business transparency should be at the core of your business matters. This is because it shows your integrity as a leader, and builds trust with the individual members of your team. If you lie about something, or withhold information, you could jeopardize your relationships and the respect you command as a leader. Remember a good name is better than riches.

7.   don’t “one-size-fits-all” everything

Your team is comprised of individuals with unique preferences, strengths, weaknesses and ideas. Never use the exact same approach to motivate, encourage or mold all of them. Focus on individuals, and customize your approach to fit each one. Just always remember to be transparent and consistent in the process.

8.   Encourage opinions and ideas

It can never over emphasized that you will be dealing with different individuals from different backgrounds and with different personalities. Therefore the more people you have actively participating in the decision making process the better, especially in the attempt to making improvements to the organization and its processes. By all means try not to chastise a team member for voicing an opinion respectfully, even if it goes against your original vision or isn’t well thought out. Cutting someone down for voicing an opinion builds resentment, and discourages people from sharing their own new thoughts. Employees need to voice free to voice their opinions as this builds a sense of ownership for the business.

9.   Make work fun

You don’t need a pool table or dress code abolition to make work fun. You can make the workday more enjoyable with such new elements as surprise lunch outings, a dedicated break room or even just casual conversations with your workers. Help your people enjoy coming to work, and they’ll do their best work for you.

10.            Listen atentively and ask questions

Ever heard of the grape vine? Usually rumors coming from there shouldn’t be left unattended to, try to find out the root of that rumor and you can work on problems before the pop up. Also if someone doesn’t agree with your management style or doesn’t like the direction of the company, don’t silence that person. You will discover that in divergent views a new innovation might stem forth. So listen. And ask questions of your entire team: What do you think of this? How do you feel about that? This open dialogue makes it easier to proactively identify problems and work together to create a mutually beneficial environment. It will also make your employees feel appreciated and acknowledged

Whatever I have written above isn’t cast in stone, there’s plenty of wiggle room to apply your own personal “brand” of leadership and management. They stand as fundamental truths that govern effective management rather than a strict instruction manual to success. Stay true to these principles in addition to your own and you will unify your team in a rewarding and enriching environment.

What other rules can you add to this list, please feel free to share your ideas below… feel free to leave a comment and share. 

 

MISTAKES TO AVOID WHEN STARTING OR RUNNING A BUSINESS?

The first time I set up a business was when I got to University, of course before formally setting up a business I would look for ways I could make an income which I tried odd jobs. So the first business I ever registered was an enterprise and we would order computers from South Africa to Zambia and sale them to students. We got a steady market and it was slowly getting ground around the university community until we hit a roadblock and lost money and that’s how the company stopped operating. Going forward I have gone ahead to set up well performing companies, some changing lives and some offering a much needed service and along the way I have made a mistakes, some big some small.

By the way mistakes in starting and running a business are normal. Ask any business person you know, and they will be able to list countless blunders that they have committed in their career, actually hindsight is always 20/20.

Below are some of the lessons I’ve learned along the way.

1.   DON'T TRY AND DO EVERYTHING YOURSELF

Of course it’s your business and it’s your baby but at some point you got to let go because that’s just a great strategy. Here is why you need to keep this in mind. If you’re in it for the long haul and you’re making the right moves and you have an awesome working system your business will grow and will most definitely become too much for you as one person, you will then have two choices: either hire someone else or do everything yourself and risk burning out before the company grows into something big enough to allow for other people in management positions.

Asking others to help will most definitely work for you. It has worked really well for me because they're able to take on more responsibility as my company grows. This way, you don't have to manage all aspects by yourself while also doing what is required of an owner and manager role. 

2.   FIND A MENTOR AND MAKE DELIBERATE MEETINGS REGULARLY

Going back to point number one above about trying to do everything yourself. .. You can't. Why a mentor? You ask? Well one of the most important things is that Mentors are a great way to avoid costly mistakes and it also help you grow in business (that rubbing shoulders with great people kind of thing). It's worth your time when they provide access not only to their networks of contacts, but also to insight that might save you from making some common mistakes as well. If they have thrived and made it in your community with all the social, economic, psychological underlying factors am sure you can learn a thing or two on how to maneuver your business for success in your community or area of focus.

Think about all the times when this could come in handy: say you have an idea for how you can move forward with something in your business or maybe even need advice on what salary increase would be fair given your recent success. A mentor wouldn't just offer you suggestions — he or she would already know first-hand which answer is best.

3.   FIND LIKE-MINDED PEOPLE, NOT LIKE-SKILLED PEOPLE

Like minded in this case is people who are differently skilled but like minded for example people motivated to try building something bigger than themselves. Some areas might still be lacking professionals but work with what you have and build your business till you come across equally enthusiastic individuals who have different skill sets.

4.   PLAN, PLAN, PLAN (WITH THE FUTURE IN MIND)

One thing I have always kept in my mind from the informal businesses I started is that I would like to set up something that will be bigger than me in more ways than one. Over the years I’ve come to discover that this is actually a company infrastructure mindset. So you ask yourself: If my business tripled in size overnight, would I have the right employees to take care of it? Would they know what their roles are and how they're expected to act when things go wrong? Will there be enough computers, desks or equipment for them all if we grew too fast? (Because trust me, rare as it might be, it might happen). Think about your team's workload now — can you handle the added strain that comes with growth at scale without investing more time upfront, so each employee has less work on his or her plate as operations expand exponentially over time?

When those potential scenarios become a reality (and they will), you don't want to squander them because you didn't plan ahead. 

5.   PAY NO MIND TO THE PESSIMISTS (NAYSAYERS)

When you start to tell people about your business, they will question it. Peers and strangers alike are going to be hostile or give you their passive-aggressive opinions about your business, and that's okay. Just remember it's your business, not theirs so all those opinions you take them under advisement. You decide to start on your own, take a risk and do something you're passionate about. It’s normal at first to question what you’re doing all the time. Such as do I have enough capital? Do we have enough money for the payroll? Can we afford another employee? Are we growing at a sustainable rate? You should also remember that it's important not to become a naysayer yourself. If you believe in something, to hell with what everyone else says about your dream. Go after it and get it.

6.   END THAT BUSINESS ENGAGEMENT – ITS OK

This is a hard one I know. When you begin doing business with someone, they may have been the best client in town when it comes to monthly revenue. But then you discover that their product might not be what your company needs especially for its long-term viability.

For example a client is causing 80 percent of your headaches and is contributing less than 5 percent of your revenue. Honestly does this math add up? So when you “ditch” this client it means you have freed up more time and have cut down on unnecessary annoyances. The significant thing that will happen you can now take all of that free time and put it toward marketing strategy and doubling our best clients. This will most definitely play an essential part in your business growth over time. It may be counterintuitive, but sometimes letting go of business can create more revenue opportunities.

 

7.   SPEND SOME MONEY FOR THE RIGHT TOOLS NEEDED FOR YOUR BUSINESS

Spending money is always a tough pill to swallow when you're just starting your business, but it's something that could ultimately pay off in the long run. Software/equipment is expensive upfront without any guarantees of how well it'll perform or whether the company will stick with it over time. But one technique you can try is always evaluate every new piece of software/equipment you buy based on lifetime value instead of immediate cost-benefit analysis. As soon as you or your team starts using a service/equipment, more often than not, you’ll start seeing significant benefits from said service/equipment, which usually pays for itself relatively quickly.

For example hire a photographer  pay for professionally edited high quality photos that will help your business to stand out. Might not be cheap, but the time you save by using your images instead of searching online and risking using same images as everyone is just about priceless. The legal safety that comes with these quality pictures will save you from getting sued or having our work taken down. The upfront cost is a drop in the bucket relative to the payoff in the grand scheme of things.

It's not uncommon for startups to make mistakes while building their business. You will want mentors that you can lean on and learn from in order to stay successful. Still, some things should be avoided, so as long as occasional mistakes happen, they won't hurt your company too much. Test new ideas and get feedback so you know what features need work or if the whole idea needs changing altogether.

One thing you can take from this is that failure is just a lesson waiting to be learned from. Sure, it's tough when you pivot your business model and test new ideas for feedback only to find that they don't work out the way you'd hoped, but every mistake or setback always comes with something valuable in return if you don't let your pride get in the way of admitting what needs changing.

 What other business startup mistakes can you share below… feel free to leave a comment and share.  

  

ELECTED MAYORS ARE KEY TO SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

On 5^th of January 2016 the constitutional amendments were signed into effect. And among the amendments was the mode of electing mayors into office. One might ask, what is the importance of such an amendment? But for one to know that they need to understand how important the office of the mayor is. Allow me to be a bit academical   

Its emphatic that the credibility of any democratic nation depends on the strength of the institutions it builds, notably its capacity to meet citizens’ demands for service delivery and accountability. In the process, enhancing the performance capacity of government decentralizing power from the national level to the municipal level is cardinal. Decentralization is considered a tool to deliver results shaped by local needs and market realities, engage citizens in decision making, and bridge ethnic divisions. And directly-elected mayors assume a primary role in helping ensure accountability, transparency and responsibility.

The word Mayor pronounced /ˈmɛər/ or /ˈmeɪər/ is from the Latin maior [majˈjɔr], which means "bigger". In many countries, a mayor is the highest-ranking official in a municipal government such as that of a city or town. Worldwide, there is a wide variance in local laws and customs regarding the powers and responsibilities of a mayor, as well as the means by which a mayor is elected or otherwise mandated. Depending on the system chosen, a mayor may be the chief executive officer of the municipal government, may simply chair a multi-member governing body with little or no independent power, or may play a solely ceremonial role. Options for selection of a mayor include direct election by the public, or selection by an elected governing council or board.

MAYORS are meant to be guarantors of services, the public good and citizens’ participation in local life.[1] Clearly, good governance needs to combine economic policies that support city prosperity with good social policies. Mayors play an important role in governance, in fact in “good governance”. This is an office that, in a fully decentralized unitary state, is a pinnacle point in bringing about balanced and sustainable development that stems from the grass roots.

So what creates and sustains “good governance,” a few things can be attributed to what creates and sustains ‘good governance’ and these include:

·         elected leaders in local governments;

·         local governments with the capacity to act, including the resources and powers to allow them to do so (often linked to decentralization);

·         formal and  informal avenues to allow civil society to influence what governments do and hold them to account;

·         organized urban groups that can work at the level of the city, that are able and willing to interact with local government and to whom local government is prepared to listen (otherwise middle- and upper-income groups are likely to be the key civil society influences on city policies); and

·         a rule of law not too biased against the less privileged groups and their informal housing and enterprises. Of course, this rule of law must also protect community leaders and other citizens from arbitrary arrest (or worse).

It is however quite difficult to generalize when the scope for what can be done and what needs to be changed is so rooted in local contexts and local political forms – as well as the extent of supportive laws and institutions at higher levels of government. Local governments have important roles in addressing poverty and inequality. In cities where low incomes are a reality for a significant proportion of the population, their access to safe, secure housing, infrastructure, services and other resources is critical for avoiding poverty.

So WHAT MAYORS DO and think is obviously an important influence in many cities. Mayors generally head the political and administrative parts of urban governments that are so important to low income groups with regard to the potential for getting or building housing (or land for housing), being able to pursue livelihoods, having access to water, sanitation, health care and education, and often for the rule of law. Local governments are particularly relevant to people’s daily lives as they manage the infrastructure and services that directly influence quality of life.[2]  Mayors generally have some influence on the form of the city’s current and future development, including its success in attracting new investment. They are also likely to influence the form and extent of the urban center's physical expansion (and whose needs are accommodated in this expansion) by the extent of their commitment to managing land use in ways that allow low-income groups to get land for housing.

In some contexts, mayors have considerable importance for the nature of the government’s relations with urban poor groups – for instance, in opening and maintaining dialogue with these groups or other groups whose needs have been given inadequate attention (including women, youth or children), and in piloting institutionalized change that can transform the ability of an government to address the needs and interests of the poor – for instance, through introducing or supporting participatory budgeting[3] or choosing to support representative organizations of the urban poor.

Local democracy has been an important feature of most pro-poor city and municipal governments. In addition, most of the more innovative mayors have been directly elected by city voters (rather than chosen by elected city Councillors). Perhaps mayors who depend on voters in their city or municipality are more likely to be responsive to the needs and priorities of these voters – although it might also be that such mayors are more visible and that their work and influence is noticed more than that of mayors or heads of city councils who are chosen by elected city Councillors. In addition, elected mayors may focus their attention on the people and urban districts that helped get them elected or, once elected, become less responsive to civil society demands and pressures as they claim that their election gave them the right to make decisions. It should be emphasized that with directly-elected mayors the chain of responsibilities are clear for executive decisions, and mayors have full accountability.

In many nations, mayors’ capacity to act is severely constrained by higher levels of government and by long-established traditions of clientelism or corrupt practices within local government. In many low-income nations, it is constrained by very inadequate funds available for investment in relation to deficits in infrastructure and service provision.

Mayors generally head the political and administrative parts of local governments so what they do and think influences government policies and practices. Many mayors have been important for poverty reduction, as their attitudes towards or relations with low-income groups and their settlements influence the possibilities of these groups getting or building housing, being able to pursue livelihoods and having access to water, sanitation, health care and schools. Successful mayors have balanced the need to attract new investment and support business expansion with good social and environmental policies; many have made government agencies more responsive and accountable to citizens, with particular attention to allowing more voice and influence to low-income groups or other groups that generally have little influence. The nations where mayors have had positive roles in development are mostly nations where local government reforms have strengthened the capacities of city and municipal governments while also increasing their transparency and accountability to their citizens. With the new reform in Zambia we hope to see a positive change that will spur development and improve people’s lives from the grass roots all the way to the top.

What Do You Think about Elected Mayors, Feel free to share your comments??

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[1] See Diop, Mamadou (2007), “The role and place of mayors in the process of decentralization and municipal management in Senegal”, in Dickson Eyoh and Richard Stren (editors), Decentralization and the Politics of Urban Development in West Africa, Comparative Urban Studies Project, Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, Washington DC, pages 197–208

[2] Julio Davila’s interviews with four Colombian mayors

[3] Marcondes, Claudia and Richard Stren (2001), “A conversation with Raul Pont, mayor of Porto Alegre”, in Mila Freire and Richard E Stren (editors), The Challenge of Urban Government: Policies and Practices, World Bank, Washington DC, pages 145–150.

NEW YEARS REOLUTIONS: HEART & MIND

 

Many Resolutions are written down

It’s a new year and that time of year when we set down our new year’s resolutions most people will 1^st focus on increasing the money in our pockets, or big car, big house big everything but miss out to put down resolutions to make our hearts bigger to be able to live in peace with one another - and also to renew our minds?

One thing I have come to discover about life is that going through the process of self-discovery (mental makeover) is just as important as giving ourselves a physical makeover. From the adage “from the abundance of our hearts our mouths speak” in the process of changing our inner selves we need to watch what we say

How we speak -to others and to ourselves -has a huge impact on our overall outlook. Let 2015 and the years to come be have some resolutions about how we're communicating? Here are some words that will transform the way you think, feel and act. Try using your words to change your life? This will be a resolution worth keeping.

"PLEASE"

when we are kids we are always told to say ‘PLEASE’ when we are asking for something, it’s among the smallest of words, but the most important as it symbolizes the best of manners -which, quite honestly speaking, needs to make a comeback. Good etiquette and manners have a lot of benefits, from increasing your social connection to helping you disconnect. Take a moment and think about it: what’s the likelihood of you fulfilling a favor if someone asked you politely? This word possesses power

"THANK YOU"

Might sound funny but it’s an honest observation that actually many people get squeamish when receiving compliments resulting in responses that are usually laced with self-depreciating humor that brushes off the genuine statement. Only about a third of the people accept complements graciously. However, saying THANK YOU more often not only acknowledges the other persons kind words but also helps you believe and appreciate them.

"I'M GRATEFUL"

Gratitude expressed can make you happier and healthier. So keep a gratitude journal or just reflect on what you’re thankful for at the end of each day, week or month even season. There’s so much to be grateful about so just let it flow.

Improve Yourself Heart, Body and Soul

"HOW CAN I HELP YOU?"

One time or another life happens. Half of the time we have no idea what to say. Or simply we bump into people needing assistance. If you can be supportive of the individual in a way that allows them to tell you about what they're experiencing and why they may be experiencing that. I don’t know if you have noticed but helping others isn't just good for them, it also can give you a boost. ‘True Story'. So look into having a resolution where you’ll be able to apply yourself to be relevant especially in your loved ones life or just anyone, and the best way to support them is just offering to do so. You don’t even have to do research to know that giving back can increase self-satisfaction and a sense of purpose, while volunteering can improve longevity.

"CAN YOU HELP ME?"

No man is an island! So as much as you would want to help the whole world and be superman you’ll also need some sun to recharge. Asking for help also carries weight. There's nothing wrong with admitting that you need a little assistance. A Bemba proverb says “uwa pakanwa taluba” (who ever has a mouth can never get lost). In fact, it can be transformative. We're often worried that asking for help will make us look stupid, but seeking advice can actually make you appear more competent. Think about it!

"I' AM TOO BUSY"

This one is probably one of the most used words of 2015. It is important as it means you’re actively or fully engaged or occupied with something hopefully productive.  In the past year, we've been more burned out than ever, and our constant busyness is standing in the way of our capacity for joy. But remember you can be busy whole year through without accomplishing anything. Many are the times we fall prey to our cultures busyness, having little sleep always burned out by the end of the day feeling like we have to catch up with the ‘race’. But ultimately did you know that there is no race except for the one we assign ourselves to? So let's eliminate the word busy, and actually mean it.

"THANK YOU FOR YOUR MESSAGE. I AM CURRENTLY OUT OF THE OFFICE"

Especially for business and office people. Technically you're not saying this, your inbox is -but this typed phrase is still vital to your well-being. People seem to be too stressed nowadays, this may be attributed to the fear of taking their vacation days, and instead surrender to being burned out and overwhelm at work. Planning a vacation - whether it’s real or just one from your busy mailbox - can boost your happiness, reduce stress and increase job satisfaction. So let your Out of Office message do the talking, and plan to take some time for yourself this year.

"I'M SORRY"

Once I heard someone say, real men don’t apologize. Well some women never apologize either. Most of the times it's hard to admit when we're in the wrong, but doing so can drastically improve our lives (not to mention our relationships). Guilt can physically weigh us down - so let it go with a heartfelt apology and leave the baggage of guilt behind.

"NO"

You can do anything, but not everything. Sometimes it's simply OK to just say "NO" if you're unable to or you’re too overwhelmed, especially if it means you'll avoid being burnt out. Did you know that sometimes the best way to complete a project is by dropping it entirely? Now get me right I don't mean ignoring the other needs, what am trying to say is when you’re in it, you’re really in it. And that means often saying no to good things, to things that you might want to do, but get in the way of sleep, or get in the way of being with your children, or spending quality time with friends and family, or whatever it is that's also very important to you.

"BECAUSE"

It is a simple word, but in a way it could help you get what you want. Most times those people who reason with "because" in a sentence are more likely to receive what they are asking for than those who make a request without reason. For example, on a phone call and you want to cut the line, and you say, "Excuse me, I would like to cut the line because I have five pages of my assignment to type.” Or “May I please use the photocopying machine because I'm in a rush?" you’d easily be given access more than the one who doesn’t give a reason for their request. Why? Because it’s easy to gravitate to someone who is kind as well as genuinely honest.

"I DON'T"

This one has to do with healthy eating or behavioral resolutions. Try swapping "can't" for "don't." if you’re genuine with yourself and you use a phrase like "I don't eat cookies" you will tend to have more self-control and positive behavior change than that one who says "I can't eat cookies."

Work on the Things You Can Change

"SUCH IS LIFE"

Life as we know it is bittersweet, not everything is going to turn out the way we planned and that's fine, trust me. Accepting life as it is instead of worrying about how it "should" be can be quite a liberating feeling. Stressing over the little things can negatively impact our lifespan, take a toll on your body and more. Learn to let go and let God. 

"LET'S DO THIS"

They say “variety is the spice of life.” When was the last time you embraced a little adventure? New experiences are at the tip of our hearts but usually that’s where it all ends, we rarely go out on a limb. Especially if you’re one who enjoys life through experiences and not things, you’ll be happier. There’s just something about making memories so why not travel off the beaten path this year?


"GOODNIGHT"

It’s a hustler’s world, and we gots to make a buck. Because of that we end up finding that we are neglecting sleep. And adult needs eight hours of sleep - but nearly three quarters get less than that. Its time to start hitting the hay earlier! Remember, “Early to bed and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise.”

Make a Resolution to Keep your Resolutions

 

Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other.

and No one's ever achieved financial fitness 

with a January resolution that's abandoned 

by February

 

CONFLICT MANAGEMENT IN THE SOCIETY

Conflict, the ungovernable force, has been responsible for a number of social problems such as poverty, war, and death. Every society tries to avoid conflict because it is undesirable. On the other hand, conflict is perceived as a bonding force in social relationships. It’s no lie Conflict is inherent in all societies. Differences in interest and opinion between groups are natural, and the means of expressing and managing such differences determine whether conflicts manifest themselves in primarily non-violent or violent ways. However, the truth of the matter is that conflict can be either a positive or negative force - therefore not all conflict needs to be resolved. The key is to understand the difference.

Conflicts in Zambia have existed since time in memorial some have been constructive and some have been very destructive. This is in respect to the political climate in Zambia. Conflicts have seen the introduction of multiparty state system, increased security and in other instances deaths and injuries of people. Daily and yearly conflicts will always be experienced and we cannot stop that phenomenon. However, understanding conflict is essential in order to channel it to yield positive results and also to help us understand our societal differences from individual to national level.

The "bad" conflict that everyone knows and loathes is known by conflict management professionals as "catabolic" conflict. This type of conflict is usually characterized by chronic and unresolved issues of confusion, role identity, communication, imbalances of powers and duties, perceived injustice issues, a history of improperly handled disputes, exclusion, and the list goes on.

Contrariwise, "good" conflict, which is more professionally known as "anabolic" conflict, is rarely talked about - even in professional circles. Anabolic conflict is characterized by open discourse, honesty, investigation and introspection of key processes and players, acceptance of diverse ideas, and collaboration (which we rarely see in our societies).

The problem with conflict is that the two types run counter-intuitive to our inherent emotional state as human beings. Anabolic conflict is in your face and open. Catabolic conflict, by contrast, is very subtle and may take a long time to grow and show itself. Therefore, human nature is to quash the conflict that is most apparent and adjust to the subtle conflict that no one can quite put their finger upon. So, how can one identify what is good and what is bad?

Because anabolic conflict is so apparent, it is critical to make sure that we understand its inherent nature best. By nature, anabolic conflict happens when there is an open and honest questioning of procedures. It is the type of conflict that begs for constant innovation and collaboration based in open discourse. For such conflict to work best it means that leaders, key workers, and other stakeholders have to be open to change and not take commentary to heart. This may sound easy to do but in practice it can be very hard to keep one's emotions in check when your ideas, your work, your investment in a group, etc. are called into question or open discussion for inspection.

Catabolic conflict is usually the product of previous anabolic conflict opportunities being previously stifled or never seized. It may be where a worker asks a supervisor a question only to be dismissed, admonished, or publicly chastised for being "insubordinate." It can also happen when communication is so broken down that no one knows what the other does or even what they may need to best do their job. Input is usually never asked or comes at the fear of punishment.

It doesn't matter whether it is in a domestic setting, a club or civic group, a church or synagogue, a non-profit, a government agency, or a for-profit business - conflict of both types will routinely pop-up. What makes a Fortune 500 company different from their competitors, a mega-church growing while others are dying, and a phenomenal relationship different from a heart-wrenching nightmare, a blossoming and stable political party favoured by many from one that is loathed and not respected often hinges upon which type of conflict you feed and which one you try to extinguish.

Whenever you are in conflict with someone

there is one factor that can make a difference

between damaging your relationship

or deepening it, that factor is

ATTITUDE 

In what ways do you think people can use conflict for the betterment of their societies??