Makarios Consulting Blog

Author: Timothy I. Thomas and Rip Tilden

Plan: What’s Your VOMP Solution? (Part 4/4)

Over the last three weeks, we’ve covered the first three stages of the VOMP (Ventilation, Ownership, Moccasins, Plan) method for resolving conflicts. This week, we’ll discuss the final stage – the Plan. The Plan is where you strive for, and commit to, a solution. The first three steps – Ventilation, Ownership, Moccasins – help improve… Continue reading Plan: What’s Your VOMP Solution? (Part 4/4)

Moccasins: I’ll Try Yours On But I Don’t Like Them (Part 3/4)

The Moccasins stage of the VOMP (Ventilation, Ownership, Moccasins, Plan) model for conflict resolution comes from the old phrase “walk a mile in the other person’s moccasins.” In this step, both parties should express their understanding of and empathy for the other person’s experience and point-of-view. Keep in mind that understanding doesn’t necessarily mean agreement.… Continue reading Moccasins: I’ll Try Yours On But I Don’t Like Them (Part 3/4)

O is for Ownership: You Own Yours and I’ll Own Mine (Part 2/4)

Last week we discussed how to Ventilate, the first part of the VOMP (Ventilate, Ownership, Moccasins, Plan) method to resolve conflicts. Today we’re going to focus on part two – Ownership. Ownership means that each person in a conflict must own his or her ‘stuff.’ Simply take responsibility for your piece of the problem. If… Continue reading O is for Ownership: You Own Yours and I’ll Own Mine (Part 2/4)

Ventilation: Do You Hear What I’m Saying? (Part 1/4)

FACT: You will never agree with everybody about everything. But, we can learn how to handle workplace conflict effectively. In our last blog series, we learned to diffuse conflict in three ways: 1) Slow down and make rational decisions 2) Separate needs from wants 3) Choose the right method to handle the conflict at hand… Continue reading Ventilation: Do You Hear What I’m Saying? (Part 1/4)

Conflict Resolution: Need vs. Want (3 of 3)

In last week’s blog, we talked about the first two building blocks of conflict resolution: Thinking vs. Feeling. This week, we’re focusing on the second set: Need Vs. Want. These building blocks make up the elements of what it takes for us to work together effectively to solve workplace conflicts.  Need Vs. Want A need… Continue reading Conflict Resolution: Need vs. Want (3 of 3)

Conflict Resolution: I Feel Your Pain (2 of 3)

Understanding the difference between what we think and feel about a situation, and what we need and want to happen in that situation – these are the building blocks of conflict resolution. Last week, we focused on how people respond to workplace conflict, and which situations might call for specific responses. This week, we want… Continue reading Conflict Resolution: I Feel Your Pain (2 of 3)