Bridging the Gap
Bridging the Gap
7. Triangulation (9:02)
“Most conflict in organizations is not interpersonal. It is inevitable that individuals will have so-called interpersonal conflicts when there are poor sponsorship, unclear roles and priorities, and confused authority and decision making. However, these resulting conflicts cannot be resolved interpersonally because the root cause lies elsewhere. Not understanding this, most people relieve their stress by gossiping, talking about someone instead of to someone. A triangle is created when B is cut off, and does not have access to information she could use either to change direction or to clear up misunderstandings. ” Robert P. Crosby “Walking The Empowerment Tightrope”
There are both positive and negative aspects of triangulation. The negative side is known as gossip where the problem does not get resolved but is exaggerated as it is spread through others. Like a virus it can destroy relationships, families and organizational systems.
Triangulation is a natural process where two people talk about something else other than their relationship. Triangulation can be positive when a person who is not involved in a problem/conflict assists an individual to get clear, ventilate, own their part and explore options to solve the problem.
When person A does not attempt to resolve an issue with person B but continues to gossip with person C about it, C may become an enabler in the conflict allowing it to continue. If person A is unwilling to resolve the conflict, C must do something to break the triangle. It is difficult for C to take a stand and still try to stay connected in the relationship because they are not chosen at random. C’s are usually friends that A has been able to confide in during the past.
Reference:
Walking the Empowerment Tightrope:Balancing Management Authority& Employee Influence, Robert P. Crosby, HRDG, King of Prussia, PA, p. 73.
LIOS, The Leadership Institute of Seattle, founded by Bob Crosby in 1969
Friday, January 26, 2007