Conflict is to be welcomed at times. It can reveal truth. It can lead to progress.
Conflict occurs when there is a clash of interests, there is the outward cause of the dispute, and under the surface the inward emotions it produces.
Sam Goldwyn put it like this, ‘ To every complex question there is always a simple answer and it’s always wrong!’
Dunn identifies the traditional responses to conflict, ’Fight or Flight’. He also asks is the conflict capable of resolution?
Humility is not a fashionable quality, but might lead an honest individual to ask the question ’to what extent am I responsible for the problem?’
If we’re prepared to ask that question it’s possible we can make progress. Begin by finding a good time to reflect, when you are at your best. Get things into context. Stand back. Ask someone who can help. This should be a person who you trust, but is not always going to say what you want to hear! As you seek to work through the conflict check out your mindset. Do you react ? Should you change that habit and become more responsive, more empathetic?
If you can begin to work on this process you may need to take stock of your emotions. Is fear impacting your reaction?
How can you be creative in this situation? Are there new solutions, ideas that could make a positive difference and break the cycle of conflict?
