Conflict is inevitable. No organization is perfect, but it does require some conflict from time to time. The best way to manage conflict is to acknowledge its existence and recognize the signs of an upcoming conflict. In the following paragraphs, we will discuss some signs of conflict, and provide suggestions for minimizing them. Despite the dangers that conflict can cause, it’s essential to understand how it’s affecting the lives of your team members. Understanding these signs of conflict is the first step to avoiding them.
The most classic example of this conflict is when the protagonist is up against an impersonal force. This force can be a government body, a foreign culture, or a conflicting demographic. This type of conflict is common in “hero versus villain” stories, such as Peter Rabbit versus Mr. McGregor or the Pevensie children versus the White Witch. In fiction, however, conflict can also occur between good characters. For example, two best friends competing for the same wedding venue could be an example of character vs. society conflict. In this case, the protagonist and society eventually come to accept each other.
Once the initial stages are completed, a conflict will likely have reached its final stage. A heated argument or verbal disagreement indicates a conflict has begun. The next phase is the differentiation phase, during which people will voice differences and discuss the reasons why they disagree. The final phase is the resolution phase, in which participants will look for a resolution. While these steps are important for any conflict, you should not avoid them entirely. Remember that the ultimate goal is to resolve a conflict.
Character arcs often include a conflict. This type of conflict often comes from the protagonist’s internal conflicts, as well as from the protagonist’s own personal ethics. In the process, the protagonist must balance their needs with their desires, weighing the pros and cons of their actions. A protagonist must decide what’s worth fighting for and what’s worth sacrificing. Once a character has reached this stage, they can approach the conflict from a new perspective.
Identifying the interests of each group member is another critical component in the resolution of conflict. Arguments about positions tend to narrow the group and lead to a stalemate. People don’t want to give up their positions, and instead will spend more time saving face than seeking a solution. To avoid such a situation, try to explore your group’s interests. As long as you’re able to identify the common ground between two groups, conflict resolution will be easier and more productive.
Developing emotional awareness is essential to understanding others. Often, we ignore or smother our feelings in fear of being humiliated or hurt. Strong emotions are essential in conflict resolution, but we often attempt to suppress them through rationality. This often results in solutions that are strictly rational and ultimately ineffective. If we ignore our emotions, we’ll end up feeling powerless in the situation. So how can we handle conflict effectively? Here are some suggestions for how to overcome conflict in healthy relationships: