Life would certainly be easier if we all got along with each other, wouldn’t it? On the surface, people are ready to agree, nod and even go along with what you propose. In reality, the situation is vastly different. Life and work continues to teach us that we react to conflict in a visceral manner. The reasons are many – the potential of being disliked, vulnerable, ridiculed and even cast out is real. For some, the fear of the unknown or unexpected can be paralyzing.  What if you are stuck with figuring out the uncharted territory? For others, strong emotions associated with conflict might be overwhelming. What if the issue escalates quickly and virulently?

When asked what a life without conflict might look like, most participants in a recent leadership seminar responded: “boring, without excitement,”  “complacent, no growth,”  “low stress yet uninteresting,” “dull without propelling tension.” Isn’t that a human paradox? While conflict can irritate, it can also beckon. While conflict can bring out the worst in people, it can also bring out the extraordinary. While conflict can make us resist, it can also expand our understanding. While conflict can divide, it can also unite.

As participants discussed ideas and practiced on examples of conflict from their work, here is what I observed: [Read more...]

Sunitha Narayanan

Sunitha Narayanan is a certified career coach with a passion for connecting people and their talents to life and work opportunities. She is a co-active coach, empowering her clients to believe in their dreams, set actionable goals and actively create joy in their work lives. She is with OI Partners Promark Company, a firm that offers executive coaching, leadership development and outplacement services. Learn about her interests by visiting her LinkedIn profile.

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