Dealing with conflict.

Human diversity makes tolerance more than a virtue; it makes it a requirement for survival.
-Rene Dubos

No matter how much we try to avoid it, we, at many times in our life, will have to deal with conflict. Maybe it is with our siblings or parents or teachers. Or our friends, co-workers, spouses. Conflict is inevitable, because everyone is different. Everyone has different views and opinions that make them unique. It is when the uniqueness clash is when conflict is created. Not all conflict is bad, some conflict is healthy. Imagine if people never challenged the system or status quo, what a lame society we would live in. The type of conflict all depends on how the situation is handled. Once someone lays a hand on someone else in anger or hate, conflict can escalate to war. Unfortunately violence is the ugly side of conflict, and sometimes the most powerful, smartest, strongest people cannot solve the conflict without violence.

When dealing with conflict in the workplace though, most issues can be handled civilly if people know how to properly handle the situation. Here are some steps to resolving conflict:
Evaluate the situation: check your moos, LISTEN, do not interrupt.
Acknowledge the situation: make sure you are on the same page, try to understand the other persons view, use I statements, LISTEN.
Check your attitude: do not pre-judge, remain calm, breath, LISTEN, keep your ego in check, be flexible.
Take Action: monitor language, be aware of body language, eye contact, LISTEN, make sure you are in an appropriate place to discuss the situation, be honest.
Reach a shared understanding: make sure each person's concerns have been communicated, LISTEN.