What Is Conflict And Disagreement?

The definition of conflict can have many meanings, although in simple terms conflict means that I want something, you want the same thing, but we both can’t have it all.

There are many different types of conflict, however the most common types of conflicts are negotiation conflict, workplace conflict and interpersonal conflict.

In cases like this conflict management or conflict resolution needs to occur before either a relationship is negatively affected or productivity in the workplace starts to decline.

What Is Conflict Management?

Conflict management involves trying to find the best solution to a conflict, although sometimes a suitable solution will not present itself.

As a result, conflict management needs to occur to ensure that conflict doesn’t stand in the way of what you are trying to accomplish.

Conflict management will also allow you to prevent conflicts from spiralling out of control, and escalating into something more serious.

What Is Conflict Resolution?

Conflict resolution occurs when a suitable solution to a conflict can be found, and both parties are happy with that solution.

Conflict resolution should be your ultimate goal as it is the most effective way to get what you want without having other people resent you for it.

However, conflict resolution is not always possible in every case, and so conflict management will have to occur to minimise the negative effects of that conflict.

Is It A Conflict Or A Disagreement?

Although conflict is a fact of life, it doesn’t have to be a way of life. Not everything has to be a battle, and not every idea requires a fight.

However because conflict is inevitable at some point in your life, learning how to manage and resolve conflict is an invaluable skill to possess when controversy occurs.

How Often Do You Experience Conflict?

Most people would say that they experience conflict in one form or another at least once a day. This might be true, but often conflicts are mistaken for disagreements.

If you can learn to distinguish true conflicts from simple disagreements, you will automatically remove a lot of false conflicts from your life.

What Is A Disagreement?

There are three types of disagreements:

1 – Having Different Opinions Regarding Certain Facts

For example. You say that the capital of England is Manchester, but I say it’s London. Although I am right, it really doesn’t make any difference whether or not we agree on that point.

As long as we don’t have to teach it, or take any action on it, then it simply doesn’t matter that you and I have a different opinion on this fact.

2 – Having Different Interpretations Of Reality

For example. We are both at work together and a problem occurs. I say “this is awful, it’s terrible!” But to you it appears very differently.

You say “this is a great opportunity to learn from this, and use it to improve and get better”.

We do not have to agree on this, and we can still keep our own opinions, then carry on with whatever we have to do.

3 – Blaming Another Person For Past Wrong Doings

This type of disagreement can cause the worst type of disputes, and is done quite often. Common phrases used include “why did you do that” or “you should have done that differently”.

Although this type of disagreement can often escalate into heated arguments, it does not mean that you can’t talk about what needs to be done better in the future. However, dwelling on someones past mistakes is a sure way to trigger anger and resentment towards you.

Its OK To Disagree!                    

In the end disagreements are just a bunch of words. This means that people can maintain their respective opinions, and continue to work or live together as long as their views, opinions and perceptions are not acted upon, because ultimately it is actions that turn disagreements into conflicts.