Posted: Friday, 4 January 2019 @ 13:43
There was a good article in the Times yesterday by Rachel Sylvester(subscription) showing the tensions between ministers and civil servants.
On the one hand, Downing Street is frustrated by foot dragging by parts of Whitehall.
On the other hand,civil servants feel cut out of decsion making, offended by plain speaking such as from Eric Pickles and are fearful of losing jobs and/or perks.
Frankly these problems are inevitable.
The problem which both parties have is that they do not have an effcetive plan B for managing this conflict.
Most people do not and are not skilled in managing tensions.
What both parties need to is to take the bull by the horns and start by effectively introducing dialogue and understanding where the other side is coming from and seeking to manage the relationship.
The protaginists in this matter could do no worse than read the book Fierce Conversations by Susan Scott.
The book shows the principles, examples, tools, stories, and exercises to take you step-by-step through your first fierce conversation-with yourself-on to the most challenging and important conversations facing one.
The goal is positive organistional change, greater effectiveness in everyday interactions, a renewed sense of purpose, and a new way of relating to people at work, at home and in every area of your life.
This is one of the works we look at in our mediation training.
Precisely what the government needs.
Justin Patten Trainer