Whenever we hear the term Conflict most of us immediately have a negative feeling or connotation associated with this word. Traditionally, we often tend to regard conflict as adversarial and something to be avoided.
- We regard conflict as the opposite of “being nice” and may then engage in “false harmony” or avoidance of controversial issues.
- Our response to conflict is often to become defensive and emotional.
- We then tend to engage in “Win – Lose” strategies such as Passive Aggression or Counter-Aggression with the result whilst you may forgive or be forgiven, the relationship is left somewhat scarred.
I focus on reframing the concept of dealing with conflict that, if handled effectively can serve as an opportunity not only to resolve issues, but to potentially develop a better outcome as well as deepening the interpersonal relationship. In other words, conflict, if properly dealt with can help you like each other more!
Candidates on the training are interactively taught to not only listen actively, but to avoid the common responses such as “calm down or chill” which almost guarantee a heightened anger response. The candidates develop a conflict management process built both on behavioural and neuro-science which will maximise the potential for conflict to become constructive.