Conflict Management

Dear Readers

Conflict happens in our every day's lives when two or more people disagree over their values, beliefs, perceptions, ideas or desires. It can cause anger, hostility and even an ending to a relationship. However, if it is handled well, conflict can be productive in building trust and gaining better mutual respect and closeness, thus strengthening the relationship bonds.

Learning how to deal with conflict is crucial. People adopt different approaches in facing conflict. The avoiding or withdrawal conflict style is unassertive and uncooperative. It is only appropriate as a temporary disengagement.

The accommodating conflict style is cooperative but unassertive. Times when it is appropriate is when the issue is of low importance to the people involved. The forcing style is uncooperative but high assertive and it is useful during emergency situations.

The compromising mode is of moderate assertiveness and moderate cooperation. Both parties have to give up part of what they really want to achieve the result. The collaborating conflict style is both high assertive and high cooperative. It is working together to gain an agreed resolution under a win/win situation.

The main factor that affects our decision in a conflict is how importance is the relationship to us. Everyone needs to feel understood, cherished and supported. Conflicts are an opportunity for growth and we can work together in our relationships to survive through challenges and disagreements.