Conflict is an inevitable part of life. It can arise in any relationship, whether it be between individuals, groups, or even countries. However, how we approach and handle conflict can greatly impact the outcome and determine whether it leads to a resolution or further escalation.
One approach to conflict is the confrontational approach, which involves directly addressing the issue at hand and trying to resolve it through open communication and negotiation. This approach is often seen as the most effective way to resolve conflicts, as it allows for both parties to express their concerns and find a middle ground.
An example of the confrontational approach in action might be a disagreement between coworkers. Let's say that one employee, Sarah, feels that she is being unfairly treated by her supervisor, John. Rather than ignoring the issue or complaining to other coworkers, Sarah decides to approach John directly to address her concerns. She schedules a meeting with him and calmly explains how she feels, giving specific examples of what has been happening. John listens attentively and takes Sarah's concerns into consideration. He apologizes for any unintentional actions on his part and agrees to make changes to better support Sarah in the future. By openly discussing the conflict and finding a resolution, Sarah and John were able to resolve the issue and improve their working relationship.
On the other hand, the avoidance approach to conflict involves ignoring the issue and hoping it will resolve itself. This approach is often taken when someone is uncomfortable with confrontation or is afraid of the potential consequences of addressing the conflict. However, ignoring a problem does not make it go away and can often lead to further escalation.
An example of the avoidance approach might be a disagreement between roommates over household chores. One roommate, Alex, feels that their other roommate, Sam, is not pulling their weight and is not doing their fair share of the chores. Rather than bringing this issue up with Sam, Alex decides to just do the chores themselves and hope that Sam will eventually catch on. This approach may temporarily avoid the conflict, but it does not address the root of the problem and could lead to resentment and further issues in the future.
While it can be difficult to confront conflict head-on, the confrontational approach is often the most effective way to resolve issues and improve relationships. It allows for open communication and the opportunity to find a resolution that works for everyone involved. On the other hand, avoiding conflict can often lead to further escalation and unresolved issues. By approaching conflict in a direct and open manner, we can effectively resolve conflicts and strengthen our relationships.