do you think that conflict benefits anyone? explain
Answers
Answer:
While the term conflict generally is associated with negative encounters, conflict itself is neither inherently good nor inherently bad. In fact, engaging in conflict can have positive effects on relationships and organizations. Consider these benefits: Conflict fosters an awareness that problems exist.
Explanation:
Are you conflict allergic? Conflict is avoided by most because it creates an intense amount of uncertainty, discomfort and anxiety. Conflict activates our fight-or-flight self-protection mechanism, causing many of us to feel clammy and adrenalized. Some of us start shaking, voices tend to raise and more-often-than-not things are said out of reaction which are not meant. Feelings get hurt and at times relationships destroyed. It is no wonder many of us want to avoid conflict at all cost. However, the most innovative solutions often arise out of conflict. The workplace is a dynamic environment always in need of growth, change, solutions, transitions and upgrading. Conflict will be regular part of our everyday work life. The more we expose ourselves to conflict the better we become at handling it, and the more successful we become as business people.
1. Opens our eyes to new ideas.
As thoughts are expressed back and forth we allow someone else to fine-tune the truth we are communicating, as our perspective becomes further shaped against theirs. Conflict is incredibly useful as a creative, fine-tuning instrument to our own ideas. In hearing another person’s perception it helps to mold and clarify our own; either making us more clear and committed to our original position, or the conflict will open our eyes to new perspectives on our ideas. Conflict is an effective vehicle for the generation of new solutions, gaining trust and developing deeper agreements; all of which are great for networking, bonding and the establishing successful connections.
Related: 7 Steps for Keeping Conflict Healthy
2. Opportunity to verbalize needs.
Most people do not get what they want because they do not say what they want. Conflict provides an opportunity to verbalize our needs to get them met. Who we are and what we stand for in the workplace largely determines our levels of success. If the “wake” behind our boat is too big no one else has room to get by, and if it is too small we get run over. There is a balance we must forge where we can take a stand on issues without being too aggressive and also without being a complete pushover. Conflict, confrontation and/or speaking up makes us more resilient and less fearful when asking for what is needed.
3. Teaches flexibility.
If we are in conflict we are not only going to have others adjusting to us and our perspectives, but we will also be adjusting to others and their perspectives. Humility and openness are two admirable qualities to come from conflict. We have to discipline ourselves to not always have to be right. If we need to be right we make another wrong, and we come to be viewed as disagreeable, controlling, fragile and egotistical; none of which are qualities of a good leader. They are the makings of a spoiled brat. Additions and subtractions must be made to any new idea in business in an effort to make it the best it can be. Each contract we have with customers and/or our team will always be born from the conflict natural to any successful negotiation. The more open and flexible we can be, the better a reputation we develop for being fair and intelligent.
4. Teaches us to listen.
The key to any successful conflict resolution is the ability to listen. Most are so focused on litigation they have zero ability to listen; their only desire is to win. Successful relationships and/or negotiations cannot be forged with defensive, dominating people. Listening takes patience and the discipline to control our impulses to speak. It takes being able to put ourselves and our thoughts to the side so we can fully take another perspective in. To truly listen to someone, listening must be active, not passive. When we listen we thrive amongst the elite in the business world. Listening gives us access to the information we need to make smart and lucrative decisions.
Related: Conflict Among Team Members Can Lead to Better Results
5. Teaches us patterns of behavior.
As we engage in conflict we learn about how others work, their style of communication, and their points of view. Knowing patterns helps us to be more effective in our relationships as they provide some level of predictability. Predictability is effective when strategizing in negotiations. When we listen, we get to know how people think and we gain insight into how they operate. This knowledge helps us define and work within their patterns, allowing us to respect limits and to predict where and when we can push without being offensive and still get the deal done. Knowing patterns makes us more prepared and confident when dealing with any type of uncertainty or disagreement.