Hi #qucommunity, happy weekend. I trust you're enjoying your day. I welcome you to my blog. I am delighted to participate in this week's prompt, so I submit my write-up to you. I am looking forward to reading your feedback in the comments section
Conflict - Do you think conflict is inevitable? How do you handle conflict? What strategies do you use to resolve conflict?
There is a saying that “one man’s meat is another man’s poison”. Yes, I purely believe this proverb. This is because we have diverse belief systems, grew up through different cultures and family backgrounds; therefore, what works for one might not work for another.
Source from Pixabay
From my own perspective, conflict is disagreeing to agree. People may disagree due to differences in perspective, understanding or when competing for scarce resources or positions. Conflict is a tool to build strong relationships. This is because when we don’t disagree, we might not understand each other's differences. But when we disagree, it allows us to iron out our differences. From there, we will know our different boundaries and avoid stepping on each other's toes. Conflict is inevitable because we have people from different cultures and beliefs together. Funny as it may sound, in our families, we witness conflicts of interest when we feel that our needs are not being met. In our workplace, we have issues with conflicts on promotions, positions and even resources.
For example, in my organisation, we distribute detergent to all factory staff every two weeks. The Plant manager receives the largest size of 1.7kg, some managers receive 850kg, and some receive three 180kg sachets. Unknown to the management, this sharing formula caused serious conflict among the managers. When I received the report, I summoned the managers for a meeting, and most of them believed that we should change the sharing formula and give all managers the same size instead of the different sizes we distribute because they are all managers in their cadre. However, the very top management staff disagreed. After deliberating on the issue, we unanimously agreed that only the plant manager gets a different package; other managers will receive the same package. The conflict of interest on these resources was resolved, and peace was restored among the managers.
Source from Pixabay
In my organisation, I handle conflicts through a fair hearing approach. I ensure that I hear from both parties in disagreement, discuss with them and make decisions that are acceptable to them. But if I am the one in conflict, I will confide in a trusted friend or colleague, depending on where the conflict happened. Secondly, I will request a meeting with the person involved and say my truth. After that meeting, I will try to let go, heal and move on. However, when the target of the conflict is to disrespect me, I draw my boundaries, heal and move on. This is because we cannot please everyone, regardless of how good one may be.
There is a saying that you cannot give what you do not have. So, I practice self-love. After a conflict, I try to reach out strategically to all parties and make peace, but if that move is blocked for ulterior motives, I renege and mind my business by setting boundaries. This is because everyone is entitled to their opinions. I will move on when all efforts to resolve the conflict fail.
Sometimes I give it time, because time is the healer of all wounds. With time, the wound may heal, and friendship may rebound stronger than ever.
Thank you for reading
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