No two people are alike. There is always potential for conflict when two or more people work together. Most of the time conflict is kept within social bounds, in extreme cases, it can lead to the break down of relationships, with all the negative consequences this creates.
Many organizations use manipulative psychological techniques in order to gain cooperation and resolve conflict. These techniques can modify behaviour, but they can also create resistance because they show no respect for character integrity.
It is far more effective to relate to people on a deeper level than personality. By relating to people from a perspective of universal mind, we can show respect and understanding for our character differences, and acknowledge the underlying unity with that person. By doing this, we can respect how another person relates to people, views reality, makes decisions and create no resistance in the personality, despite our differences.
If another person knows we respect and accept them as they are, they will be far more willing to listen to what we have to say.
When we speak from universal mind, people will recognize our sincerity and know it is genuine. Despite any differences, they will be far more willing to help or not conflict.
When dealing with people who have a strong vested interest in preventing you from developing, you will need to be strong to overcome their resistance. It is not possible to win everyone over to your side. Do not fight personality. Maintain universal mind and you can win their respect.
Self-Mastery is the foundation of real leadership. The only enemy to be conquered is the self.
A good horse rider leads the horse from universal mind, creating no resistance. There is no need to use the whip because the horse is willing to go where it is lead. Inexperienced riders will pull with their arms and force too much, hurting the horse.
Leading people is not that different. If you force too much, people will resist. If you provide no lead, people will cease to cooperate and conflict can occur.
Many organizations are full of tension because leaders and followers are at cross- purposes. Fear and insecurity can prevent growth as leaders hold on too much and do not delegate leadership. In today’s environment there are many educated and talented people. These people don’t necessarily need a top down style of leadership. Their performance will suffer and politics will occur when a one size fits all style of leadership is applied.
The challenge for leaders today is to develop their emotional intelligence and self-awareness. By gaining mastery of the self, a leader can read character and adjust his or her style to suit the individual or situation. This takes self-confidence and an ability to recognize our own strengths and weaknesses.
Through coordinating mind and body, we can manifest universal mind and develop self-mastery. As our confidence grows, we begin to take the lead rather than respond to it.
Just as in mastering the horse, rider and horse must become one, in order to master our-self, mind and body must become one. When this occurs, we can lead from a deeper level of universal mind, respect others and create a cooperative environment that sees diversity as a strength, encourages others to lead, and can use conflict as a crucible to create positive outcomes rather than destruction.