More on Conflict

I confess to being someone who does not like conflict. If I sense possible disagreement - unpleasantness - is just around the corner, then I am often likely to head off in a different direction even if that action might make things worse. In short, "facing the music," regardless of the circumstance, continues to be on my personal list of things I need to improve about myself. This is despite the reality that often conflict can and does force us to assess situations more closely, review our own decisions or choices, and potentially emerge with a wiser course of actions for ourselves and others.


Regarding conflict, those of us striving to be better communicators have an important role to play when situations arise involving awkwardness or disagreement between others or between ourselves and others. One such role is that of facilitator. One of the best ways to resolve differences is to ensure that those involved have a voice and opportunity to be heard. Effective communication involves helping create a dynamic where people feel safe to exchanges their views or perspectives without fear of being disrespected, personally attacked or ignored. That is not a small thing. Inserting openness and mutual respect into any kind of interaction is vital if those in conflict are going to reconcile their differences in a way that comes even close to serving a greater good.


Thus, effective communication is not just about someone figuring a way to best articulate their own feelings or opinions. It also pertains to their creating an environment of good-faith exchange. This, of course, will not eliminate disagreements or people getting upset with one another. But it will help reduce whatever level of tension that might otherwise exist and counter notions some may have that conflict is to be avoided at all cost. With effective communicating part of the mix, conflict can actually be part of anyone and anything's solution.