When conflict occurs, many of us
become tense or anxious at the thought, preferring to avoid it at all costs, while
others tackle it head on, often alienating others in the process. Both
strategies can end up making the situation even worse. Whether it is a
misunderstanding over who did what, a clash of ideas, or a tangle of personal
relationships, conflict is inevitable in any workplace. The bottom line,
though, is this: The root cause of conflict is often poor communication,
which might include no communication, miscommunication, or
misunderstandings. What part do each of us play in the resolution of
conflict?
While conflict is a natural,
normal, and even healthy part of any relationship, it is through deliberate,
skillful, and respectful communication that we can help the relationship grow
and improve while resolving the conflict before it becomes worse.
Let’s talk about what it takes to be able to be heard, hear others, and stop the
cycle from continuing.