A.1.2 The Benefits of Conflict

Try looking at conflict beyond simply being something you want to go away quickly. You might see that it has some benefits. Here are some of them:

• Conflict checks our complacency and self-satisfaction simply by making us aware that problems exist.
• Conflict reveals diverse perspectives, getting beyond an either/or worldview, challenging our assumptions and leading to more comprehensive solutions.
• Conflict resolution requires you to tap into your creativity. You learn about yourself and about others, leading to greater emotional intelligence.
• Resolving conflict often opens up new communication avenues and processes. In fact, lack of communication is often the source of conflict.
• Successful conflict resolution can build trust. When people feel heard and when their opinions are recognized and validated, the fair treatment they received makes them more likely to come forward in the future before conflicts have an opportunity to fester.

“Finding Opportunities in Conflict” from BUS403: Negotiations and Conflict Management by Saylor Academy is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License, except where otherwise noted.