Conflict can take a toll in our professional and personal lives. Time, money and lives are lost when conflicts are not effectively managed. Frequently, the only two options we see for handling conflict are to respond in a combative manner (fight) or totally avoid the conflict (flight/freeze/submit). Sadly, both of these strategies often do more to escalate conflict than to extinguish it. And, the opportunity to turn a conflict into a positive learning experience is lost. Almost every conflict can produce a positive benefit. However, in order to reap the benefit we typically have to navigate through some muddy waters and hold a difficult discussion. The more you know about addressing conflict the more adept you will be when it’s time to engage in a difficult dialogue which is ripe with potential conflict. This article discusses considerations, concepts and strategies for holding a difficult discussion.

Click here to go to Ezinearticles.com and view Elinor Robin’s complete article