Disagreements and conflict are a part of life. Whether you disagree with someone because of your beliefs, habits, personality, communication style, ambitions or priorities, it’s important to understand how be open minded and to resolve conflict with others in order to work and live in a diverse community.
Why it’s important to confront conflict
- Resolving the issue: Addressing the conflict is essential to finding a resolution. Ignoring a problem or hoping it will go away can make the conflict worse and can cause a breakdown in relationships, leading to negative outcomes for all involved parties.
- Preserving relationships: Conflict can cause rifts in relationships, and it can lead to resentment and hurt feelings. Addressing the conflict in a constructive and respectful manner can help preserve relationships and prevent the conflict from escalating further.
- Improving communication: Conflict often arises due to miscommunication or misunderstandings. Addressing the conflict provides an opportunity to improve communication between the parties involved, enabling better understanding and increased trust.
- Enhancing problem-solving skills: Dealing with conflict requires problem-solving skills and the ability to work towards a mutually agreeable solution. Developing these skills can be valuable for future personal and professional challenges.
- Reducing stress: Conflict can cause stress and anxiety for all parties involved. Addressing the conflict can help alleviate this stress and reduce the negative impact it can have on mental and physical health.
Find someone in your class that disagrees with your views on biodiversity and work together to understand each others perspectives. Follow the steps outlined in the ‘Resolving Conflict’ graphic to help you be more open minded, listen to others, and potentially resolve a conflict. ? ? ? ?
