Most people don’t like conflict. Maybe that’s because our physiology makes us ill-prepared for them. The body’s response to conflict is a “fight or flight” reaction where the body releases adrenaline in preparation for fighting back or running away. That was all helpful when we lived in caves and had to survive in a world of angry predators. It’s not so helpful in the workplace where such responses will most likely result in you being the subject of a disciplinary or grievance procedure.
Putting your head in the sand and hoping that conflict will pass you by is not the most effective method for problem solving. Conflict rarely resolves itself – in fact, conflict normally increases if not dealt with properly. It is not uncommon to see what might have been a non-event develop into a massive problem if not resolved early on.
Conflict arises from differences, both large and small. It occurs whenever people disagree over their values, motivations, perceptions, ideas, or desires. Sometimes these differences appear trivial, but when a conflict triggers strong feelings, a deep personal need is often at the core of the problem.
Bullying, discrimination and harassment are much more serious examples of conflict situations in the workplace. Complaints about discrimination or harassment may center around gender, age, disability, religion or national origin.
We are in conflict with ourselves many times during life. Our future gives cause for concern; the past is captured, therefore we miss the future.
The grief and sorrow asked the hope, “How are you?” The hope answered, ” I am a little bit low and sad today!” The sorrow replied sarcastically, “I hope so!”
Nobody really knows what might happen after reaching the retirement age. Sure, if we can observe our neighbors and all other people in our surroundings, we really don’t like to know it. If we treat ourselves with care, our real age will not be shown. I won’t make any secret of celebrating my 70th birthday sometime this year. I enjoy it. I am proud to reach this age with God’s help.
On our way to an honorable and respectful age we should try to fulfill some of our greatest longings in life. But if you always view conflict as negative and stressful, you’ll always want to try and avoid it which is a bad idea because conflicts do not just go away. By reflecting on how to view conflict more positively, you’ll find it easier to address it healthily and productively.
Speaking personally: Please allow me, once in a while, to be able to say NO. Please allow me to delete inferior and defeatist feelings. Please allow me to admit that I can’t do everything during a single day. Please allow me to no longer be afraid about other people and their spiteful comments about me.
Please allow me to accept my silence. . Please allow me to be excused even without having an intelligent reply. Please allow me to be carried by salvation and bliss.
Hopefully, we may have enough understanding people with us to accompany us during the voyage of our sometimes very conflicting life.
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