Peace cannot be achieved through violence, it can only be attained through understanding. — Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882)
Conflict is part of our lives and occurs at many levels, from nations to organizations, to individuals. Adversarial episodes can limit our ability to work together collaboratively and creatively. Yet we can learn skills for resolving and transforming conflicts in ways that support relationships and create solutions where no one loses and everyone gains.
Things you can do
- Consider how you approach conflicts (see conflict management styles). Explore ways to incorporate more collaborative problem solving and build relationships.
- Develop listening skills and language for working through conflicts and creating peace
- Learn about mediation, and when it can be useful.
- Explore opportunities to transform conflicts into cooperative problem solving