What would you consider to be a conflicted situation? It could be in the workplace, within your relationship or even internal. According to Erik Erikson’s theory of psychosocial development, conflict is actually the turning point in which someone struggles to obtain an intended quality. But were you also aware that there is also a literary portion of conflict? Within that, there are various amounts of conflict as well. This would include man versus man, nature, society and even self. Altogether, these both have the tendency to deal with a problematic situation as to which one is dealing with an issue that is hindering them from what they are intending to obtain. How one would solve conflict varies from person and there are also a variety of ways in which they do. Let me break this down for you.
Firstly, some of the ways some people could manage conflict would be throughout the win-lose strategy, which is when things are perceived as only “black and white”. If the opportunity arises where another opinion could be formulated, the one suggesting another viewpoint is automatically incorrect. Pride makes up most of this aspect. Next, would bring in the act of avoidance. Those that avoid conflict with every means possible tend to have the mindset that differences that are brought to the surface are always incorrect and expect problems to be solved on their own. In some cases, avoidance may be the best approach but it makes it easier for others to manipulate you to the best of their ability. Speaking about manipulation, next would be the “people pleaser”. Otherwise known as the giving in approach. Opinions and ideas are then minimized due to the fact that the giver tends to lean on others’ ideas as a route to avoid conflict altogether. After this, compromise would come in. Compromising strategies towards conflict have the same characteristics as the win-lose strategy and avoidance, but this includes reality. When someone compromises on conflict, they are negotiating for the sole purpose of finding a solution to the problem. Lastly, you have care-fronting. This means the confrontation of any sort of problem that is causing conflict is intended to be brought out and solved.
Next, we will come into contrast in which of these actions when dealing with conflict are healthy and unhealthy for the individual. So, which one do you feel would prosper? The win-lose strategy makes up for the strength in the individual but doesn’t give the opportunity to allow them to see a substantial amount of ways they could solve the issue. Now, avoidance. Let’s be honest– do you feel as if a conflicted situation is 100% avoidable? Avoiding conflict can result in frustration and even resentment. Yes, it may be the best decision in the heat of the moment but it is detrimental to your well-being. Next would include the giving in approach, or surrendering to conflict. Which can be both healthy and an unhealthy approach. Regardless if someone is giving into conflict for the reason of just simplifying the disagreement, or because that is their comfort zone. Now, compromising on a conflicted issue is a healthy approach as well. When compromising they understand that if the conflict is pushing to extremes– both sides of the problem have to be willing to give something up with intentions of finding a solution and moving on. Lastly, care-fronting is indefinitely a healthy aspect as well. Instead of deceitful actions, coming out and confronting the problem would be the solution to both sides of the problem finding a wanted solution.
Conflict is handled a various amount of ways and is formed in almost every situation possible as long as there is a disagreement between the two. When dealing with conflicting situations, it is hard to find a solution in which both parties are comfortable with coming to the conclusion to. The way individuals deal with conflict varies from person and these examples that were listed are the most common acts.
