Adopting Good Behavior to Get Out of Conflict

De-dramatize being in conflict situations.

As we have said before, the conflict itself is not negative, what is negative is mismanagement of that conflict.

In any human group there are differences, differences about values, solutions to choose, decisions to make, methods to implement, resources to distribute, power to distribute, opinions, motivations, needs to satisfy, interests, behaviors to promote…

These differences are:

1) “normal and inevitable”, are the expression of human diversity,

2) “often desirable” because they constitute a wealth. In a team, in a group, they are also a sign of involvement. When there is no expression of difference, proposal of alternatives…, it is usually a sign of disinterest and lack of interest.

Due to this diversity, these differences, these divergences…, we can therefore say that the potential for conflict is present as soon as two or more people are in a relationship. Therefore, we must accept the idea that conflict is not a failure of the relationship, it is in fact part of it. What is harmful is not the expression of disagreement, but the verbal and/or physical violence that may accompany it.

How to avoid conflict:

• Listen first, talk second
• Set clear expectations
• Fostering collaboration
• Discourage gossip and tattling
• Meet the different personalities of your team
• Don’t criticize, complain or blame…
• When a conflict arises, accept it.