CONFLICT: WAYS TO TACKLE IT

Conflict is inevitable in business and relationships. Everywhere you turn, there is potential for conflict exists. We conflict with ourselves, conflict with others, conflict at work place, conflict at home etc.The word conflict is derived from Latin word "conflictus" -the act of striking together. It may be defined as • A: competitive or opposing action of incompatibles: antagonistic state or action (as of divergent ideas, interests, or persons) B: mental struggle resulting from incompatible or opposing needs drives wishes, or external or internal demands. Conflict is part of our life. What matters is one should recognize and deal with it appropriately. You can either let conflict or the potential for conflict drag you down or you can use it to lift you to new levels of performance. Understanding wha·tconflict is and why it exists helps shape your response. Generally it is the result of poor communications, disruptions in routines, unclear goals or expectations, the quest for power, ego massage, differences in value systems, or hidden agendas. It finds its expression in rude, discourteous and sometimes hostile behavior; selfishness; strident and defensive language; lack of respect; and increased stress.