Course Objectives:

We can learn to manage conflict positively by pre-empting the ways in which others will react, and by controlling our response in the heat of the moment. You’ve got one view. I’ve got another. This may be a very good thing. Disagreement can be the catalyst for innovation, the basis for strong relationships and the cause of greater self-awareness, as well as much more.

Equally, conflict can get us into trouble. Stress, anger, frustration, broken relationships and poor decisions are just a few of the consequences of mishandling disagreements. In more extreme cases, job loss, ill health and divorce can be the result. To some degree, it seems to be beyond our control whether the outcome is positive or not. This is partly because most of us have one or two ways that we usually respond to conflict. These are great in some situations but can be disastrous in others.

However, when we know about all the options available, we are more likely to choose the approach that will have the best results rather than the one we are most comfortable with. This way, disagreements will tend to work to our advantage, and quite possibly everyone else’s too.