By definition, conflict is a disagreement between people with opposing opinions or principles. Most of the time the perspectives of each of the parties are very different with each side believing theirs is the ‘truth’ making it difficult for conflicting sides to exist together.
Of course, if we all agreed with each other and didn’t have differences of opinions and diversity of thought, life would remain in ‘status quo’ and many changes, advancements and progress would not be made. The secret is how do we harness conflict positively?
If we take the mediation approach, the first step is to look at an agreed goal or outcome for example, to have a productive and happy work environment. Once that is achieved, we can then explore and define the challenges/blockages/situation that could be causing the conflict. From there, with the help of a neutral facilitator to provide a safe environment, parties can listen and acknowledge the realities of how each other sees the differing views. This helps to understand and give a platform to generate options and solutions to ultimately come to an agreed way forward.
Ideally all disputing parties would come away from the mediation with the feeling of ‘I’m OK and you’re OK’ and the relationship can be rescued, if not in a personal way, at least in a professional, respectful way.
Conflict is good when those involved have reflected and learned positively from the experience and the outcome is mutually beneficial for all who are connected, especially if they can use the communication tools to work better together in the future.