Six Tips For Engaging in Conflict Without Destroying One Another

5) Do the ground work

Have a conversation with the people you are in community with about the way you deal with conflict. How did your family treat conflict? Did they welcome emotion? Did everyone have a voice? Were people spoken over? What is your ‘preferred’ conflict resolution style.

 We seem to be surprised by conflict. It sneaks up on us as if we thought we had all of this figured out already.

 One of the best ways to engage in conflict is to talk about conflict before you are forced to engage in it. A good conversation about what to expect from one another and why will help you once the conflict arrives. If you try to explain yourself when emotions are high, it is likely the heat of the moment will cloud understanding and appreciation.

 The last thing we want to think about when it comes to conflict is doing something MORE. But this might just be the key. Set some parameters, uncover some understanding, before the sparring begins. It might be a map to help you navigate the rough waters.