Dealing With Conflict

What is Conflict?
A serious disagreement
or argument that is
usually not resolved
quickly or easily.

We often hear about

how people act during
conflict, but to resolve it
we have to understand
why: what is the
disagreement about?
Conflict Simplified
Many conflicts happens when a person
(or group of people) needs something
from another, and they aren’t getting it.

For example, we need personal

safety, access to basic needs,
acceptance, to belong, and more.

If those things are withheld by another

person, there’s going to be conflict.
Why Are Some Needs Not Met?
• The needs aren’t known, or understood
• Other things may be
considered more
important
• The situation
may not allow
those needs to
be met
Communicating Needs
Letting people know what we need can be hard, but
is more effective when we:
• Express those needs
clearly
• Give reasons why we
need them met
• Remain calm
• Use respectful
language
• Consider the needs of others as well
The Result of Communicating
Clearly communicating our needs can lead to
everyone’s needs being met. However, if those needs
can not or will not be met, we can:
• Continue advocating for
our needs
• Remove ourselves from
the situation
• Consider what is
negotiable and what isn’t
Needs vs. Wants
• Not having our needs met can cause serious
damage – emotionally, mentally or physically
• Wants are more flexible and can be negotiated,
even those that are extremely important to
us
• Recognizing differences in
what you and others want
is an excellent opportunity
for negotiation and
compromise
Conflict Handling Styles
 Conflict Resolution Modes
g
Collaborating
petin
Com
Assertiveness

Compromising g
datin
Avoiding mmo
Acco

Cooperativeness