The MONTHLY Motivator - January 2017

Alternatives to conflict

Conflict is a destructive way to address problems, on multiple levels. It can destroy relationships. It wastes valuable time and resources. And it has a way of perpetuating itself, even after the issue at hand is resolved.

There will always be disagreements, differences of opinion, and conflicting interests. However, those conflicting interests do not have to lead to actual conflict.

Sometimes conflict is the only choice. Most of the time, however, there are alternatives that are not nearly so destructive, that can be beneficial for all involved.

When the potential for conflict arises, too often there is the assumption that the various viewpoints and perspectives are in direct opposition to each other. Such an assumption provides a simple, compelling way to look at the situation. But rarely is that assumption accurate. Though the various perspectives may differ widely, they are not usually in direct opposition. Often there is quite a lot of common ground. Unfortunately, this common ground gets covered over by the differences.

At the outset, instead of focusing on the differences, seek to explore that common ground. Find substantive values, concepts, ideas and facts that everyone can agree on. This is not as out of reach as it might first appear. Even the most brutal conflict requires that its participants occupy a common battlefield. For example, if two armies are fighting to control a particular territory, there is something crucial they both agree on, namely, the value of that territory.

Fortunately, most conflicts today are not military fights to the death, yet every conflict shares the key element that all sides agree there’s something worth fighting for. So consider this. If there’s something worth fighting for, there’s something worth cooperating for. Look for the common ground.

Another regular assumption in adversarial situations is that it’s a “zero sum” contest, that one side must give up ground in order for the other side to gain anything. Again, this is often a gross oversimplification and sometimes there’s no truth to it at all. There may very well be a win-win outcome possible, where everyone benefits.

---

To continue reading this member-only content, please log in if you are a current subscriber/member, or if you’re not already a member, you can join today for an annual price of just $15 and get immediate access to the full text of this article and many others, plus additional member-only content such as downloadable audio programs and e-books. If you’re not ready to join right now, we invite you to look through our extensive archive of more than 6,000 shorter daily messages, which are fully available for everyone to read.

--Ralph Marston

More Monthly Motivators...