In the diverse, interconnected, and expansive food system, conflicts are not just common; they're virtually inevitable. From agricultural production to distribution and policy-making, diverging interests and perspectives often collide, requiring leaders to be skilled in managing conflict. Effective leadership within the food system requires more than just vision and strategy; it demands an understanding of how to navigate conflicting interests, values, and goals.
Mismanaged conflicts within the food system can have serious impacts across supply chains, affecting everything from production efficiency to consumer access and environmental sustainability. To address the critical issues facing the food system, leaders must have robust conflict management skills to mitigate tensions, foster collaboration, and drive meaningful change. The results below are from a study evaluating a leadership development program for emerging and established leaders in the Land Grant University System (LGUS), LEAD21. The LEAD21 program focuses on several core competencies, including conflict management. The results provide an empirical assessment of leadership development programs and the potential to improve conflict management skills among leaders in the food system.
Importance of Conflict Management in Leadership
Effective leadership requires conflict management skills.
Leaders are increasingly expected to demonstrate proficiency in managing diverse forms of conflict.
Conflict management coaching and mediation processes are very effective in addressing conflict scenarios effectively.
Leaders need the skills to classify and engage in a range of conflicts including tasks, processes, status, and relationships.
Empirical Insights from LEAD21
The LEAD21 program was effective in increasing conflict management competence among participants using a paired pre-test/post-test assessment.
Through active engagement, self-awareness, and skill acquisition, LEAD21 participants experience a significant increase in conflict management capacity.
Leadership education initiatives like LEAD21 equip leaders to navigate complex conflict scenarios more effectively.
Implications for Leadership Education
Integrating conflict management curriculum into agricultural leadership education programs empowers future food system leaders to address conflicts more constructively.
Tailored conflict management strategies may also benefit community initiatives and empower agricultural leaders.
Strengthening conflict management capacity initiatives complements change leadership education, supporting the development of adaptive leaders in the food system.
Looking forward, there's a need to focus on proactive conflict management in leadership education for the food system. Exploring different curricula and approaches and expanding evaluation efforts are crucial. Equipping leaders to anticipate and manage conflicts more effectively has the potential to positively affect the food system more broadly. Please be sure to share your thoughts using the comments below!
Lamm, K. W., Sapp, L. R., Lamm, A. J., & Randall, N. L. (2020). A longitudinal evaluation of conflict management capacity building efforts in higher education. Journal of Agricultural Education, 61(3), 75-85. https://doi.org/10.5032/jae.2020.03075
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