Sources of ConflictSources of Conflict

Understanding ConflictUnderstanding Conflict

1. There is a perceived breach of faith and trust between individuals.

When one puts faith and trust

in another, and that confidence is broken, it can create an emotional response that elevates to conflict.

2. There is miscommunication leading to unclear expectations.

- Misinterpreted instructions.

- The words we use to communicate don’t always clearly state the picture in our minds.

3. Personality Clashes3. Personality ClashesSome people are: While others are:

Outgoing, spontaneous and talkative

Introspective serious and quiet

Intuitive…shoot from the hip

Detailed…evaluate, ponder, and consider

Feeling and emotionalLogical and analytical

Concerned for peopleConcerned for concepts

Structured, ordered, planned

Flexible, go with the flow, unplanned

4. There are differences in acquired values

- From the moment we are born, we begin acquiring our value system.

- Our values come from parents, siblings, friends, mentors, coaches, teachers, books, churches, movies, television and music…life in general.

5. There is underlying stress and tension

- Demands of time and energy

- Stress surfaces at the slightest provocation.

- A person’s angered response to us may have nothing to do with us at all.

6. Ego problems

- Ego wants us to be right, and moves us into defending our position, sometimes unreasonably.

- One of the quickest ways to diffuse an argument or conflict is to admit one’s mistakes.