The more we run from conflict, the more it masters us; the more we try to avoid it, the more it controls us...
The truth is that most people really don’t enjoy conflict. Even those who exist on the “engagement” side of the Everything DiSC circle (Dominance & influence) would like say that they don’t love the energy required to sustain an argument. Perhaps a mindshift would help all of us in how we view conflict and whether it can ever be positive.
In the beta we are working through now with Everything DiSC® Productive Conflict, conflict is described as a “difference” of opinions involving strong emotions.” This working definition is probably a good first step in gaining clarity around Productive Conflict.
The quote that helped form this post is from David Augsburger. Although all of Augsburger’s works revolve around the subject of Christianity, some also cover dealing with hatred, prejudice, and violence, as well as being a forgiving person. They have been used by many to address professional conflict and workplace issues.
Full Quote:
“The more we run from conflict, the more it masters us; the more we try to avoid it, the more it controls us; the less we fear conflict, the less it confuses us; the less we deny our differences, the less they divide us.”
