The Interest-Based Approach (IBA) to Resolving Interpersonal Conflict
As the Fall 2019 semester kicks off, the excitement, hard work and stress for success has also begun. As we are all focused on Humboldt's success, interpersonal conflicts can and do arise. It is always good to step back and self-assess our personal boundaries as they relate to how we expect to be treated by all of our colleagues. The Interest-Based Approach (IBA) is a somewhat simple model in both preventing and resolving conflict in the workplace... as it is really an application of the golden rule principles... it's all about personal boundaries...
When we get disrespected, we feel it instantly and in real-time... Here is a quick IBA self-exercise...
First... We all understand what 'respect' is, but we all hold a very personal and individual definition of what it actually means to us. Have you ever put pen to paper and wrote down your personal definition of Respect (without using the term 'respect' in your definition)? Try it... it's not as simple as it may seem as it has a very deep meaning for all of us. Our definition is very personal and non-negotiable.
Second... make a list of expectations of how you require to be treated by your colleagues. Again, this list is very personal and non-negotiable.
This simple exercise is helpful in identifying and defining our personal boundaries. When one of our expectations is violated, we know it... and the instant feeling of being disrespected quickly follows as does our guard... This exercise helps us to recognize what our personal boundaries are... and the recognition that the reciprocal is also true of our colleagues... they/we also hold expectations of how they/we expect to be treated... it's the recognition of our colleague's personal boundaries...
IBA focuses on relationships of personal boundaries, recognition of those personal boundaries in the workplace and the building of trust between colleagues so that those personal boundaries will be honored. Knowledge and open recognition of personal boundaries in the workplace are powerful in building and strengthening working relationships.
When we recognize and define our own personal boundaries... and acknowledge our colleagues' personal boundaries... and we can trust each other that those boundaries are honored... we can engage in discussions and interactions in a way that focuses all of our energy on Issues and the Content of Issues... not each other...
DR. SCOTT M. KASPER, SPHR, CLRP
Employee Relations & Compliance Sr. Mgr – HR
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