Motivation plays a major role in the way we approach the world – and often, in the way we approach others. Not only do our motivations influence our own actions, they also color the way we interpret the actions of others. And when certain combinations collide, it can lead to conflict.
While people’s strongest motivations can be deeply ingrained, that doesn’t mean that all hope is lost. When individuals develop awareness of their own strong motivators, they can approach their world and their colleagues with a greater objectivity, helping them become less emotionally reactive and more empowered to work through differences. The IDI Comparative Profile is one tool that coaches use to help resolve conflict for pairs or small groups by exploring points where contrasting motivation may be causing friction.
In most cases, individuals who enter conflict resolution are hoping for a positive outcome. But some motivational combinations may make the process slightly more tricky to navigate. As a coach, starting the process with an awareness of these particular hurdles can help you and the people you support have more success smoothing tensions and creating a more harmonious path forward.
Here, MRG President Tricia Naddaff identifies a few motivational combinations that you may want to be aware of when coaching for conflict resolution, and offers tips on how to navigate them.
