If you’re of a certain age, you’ll remember the original television series, Lost in Space. If you’re of a certain—ahem—younger age, you’re more likely to remember the movie remake of a few years back.
Remember the Robot? “Danger, Will Robinson, danger!” I was a tiny kid during the original series and was scared witless when I heard the Robot say that. But I still kept watching.
It’s kind of like the experience people have when they’re in a conflict. Even reading the word probably has a few of you cringing right now. You anticipate something unpleasant but also thrilling in an adrenaline rush kind of way. Yes, admit it.
As a mediator and conflict management coach and consultant, I often tell my clients that I wish I had mini Lost in Space personal robots to hand out to everyone. I’d use one, too. The robot could alert us to the debris-filled, messy places we’re headed in a conflict before we actually step inadvertently into the muck. We’d still proceed but with more caution.
You notice I say “headed,” because there’s lots of good about conflict. Conflict itself isn’t bad. Repeatedly poor management of it is.
Turns out, we actually do have those little robots around us. They come in the form of the dog who slinks from the room when things get tense. Or the child who gets a very specific look on her face. Or the co-worker who starts doing some kind of mundane task to avoid what you and the other person are tangling about. Or the other committee members who stop making eye contact with you.
Who or what’s your Robot? Do you heed it?
Posted on Sep 1st 06 by Tammy Lenski.
Tammy helps people talk out their differences and build stronger work and home relationships in the process. She does this as a coach, mediator and trainer and works with people worldwide. http://www.lenski.com
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