Four Things I Learned From Overcoming Conflict

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We all think differently. We all come from different walks of life. The sooner we accept it, the better everything will be. Acceptance comes first. Knowing that the other person is not necessarily wrong but that there are different perspectives in the equation will help avoid conflict.

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Once you figure out how to overcome conflict, remaining calm when being overwhelmed will become easier. You’ll be more aware of your surroundings, will know how to react in certain situations, and what to expect the outcome to look like.

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Here are 4 things I learned from overcoming conflict over the years – considering my experiences will ultimately help with making informed decisions.

1. Communication Matters

Our words often don’t mimic what we’re trying to say. During intense conversations, saying things out of anger, and impulsive statements will jeopardize relationships in the long run. Despite the thrill at the time, it is not worth it. Be rational. Be mindful of how your words can affect another person—using the right language matters.

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In workplace dynamics, using exclusionary language, and referring to someone as an opposing person will further impact your relationship. There’s a reason why there’s emphasis on being inclusive towards each other. Every word matters.

2. Importance of Setting Your Ego Aside

There are times when you need to take a step back, reflect on your actions, and accept that arguing further out of pettiness will not help anyone. Ego always fuels our desire to be defensive and achieve a meaningless debate – it helps no one.

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From my experience, with a project at my workplace, there were conflicting opinions on what the right approach is. Everyone on my team came with their perspective on the matter, and it held a lot of weight. In such times, I learned it is important to find a middle ground and compromise on senseless points.

3. Talking in Person Matters

It is an underrated trait but trust me, talking in person is far better than going back and forth on emails or texts. Dealing with a professor in college, or your supervisor at work, comes with a lot of power dynamics. It is difficult to comprehend what the actual message is on either end when looking at a phone screen.

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We’re all hooked to our screens, but it is also important to act in an old-school way and confront someone when there’s a sense of conflict arising.

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Paying a visit in-person will help humanize the conversation and it is a much more immediate way to find a mutual understanding of things. When there is distance and passive aggressiveness along the way, it is difficult to fully understand what the other person is trying to say.

4. Having Empathy for Others

While dealing with conflict, understanding that everyone comes with their own set of emotional baggage, and having to deal with them accordingly is essential. Once you acknowledge the fact that everyone has different privileges and circumstances – it is easier to understand everyone’s situation.

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Active listening helps here. In relationships, listening to one another, fully grasping the intensity of the situation from all perspectives is vital while trying to resolve conflict. Being there for each other goes a long way – especially in situations where you’re actively trying to build a healthier relationship.

5. Conclusion

Communicate. Don’t let your ego take over you. Confront at the right time. And ultimately, have a sense of empathy for everyone around you. It’ll take you a long way, professionally, and in your personal life.

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In most cases, conflicts happen due to unaddressed conversations, giving away the willingness to understand someone’s situation. We should all collectively do better.