Understanding Conflict

Even the best communicators are going to be in situations where their needs don’t match the needs of others. Although it is impossible to get rid of conflicts completely, through proper strategies, we can manage them.

Properly managed conflicts lead to healthier and stronger relationships. However, if conflicts are not managed, it can lead to increased stress and sometimes even more conflict. For this reason, do not try to run away from conflict, face and overcome them. 

This article will help you understand and identify the different types of conflicts you may face at the workplace.

Types of Conflicts 

1. Conflict of Goals

   Conflicts of Goals is when two people have different goals and it looks like only one of you can get what you want. 

   1. Example: 

      You and your partner are planning an event. You believe that it is necessary to achieve profit from this event, however your partner believes it’s more important for the clients to have a good time, which could mean more publicity. You argue about the different goals you have. 

2. Conflict of Resource

   This occurs when there seems to be a lack of resources to go around. 

   1. I.e. Money; An employee believes that deserves a raise and request his boss for one, however, his boss feels that the money is better spent expanding the business. 

      Here the scarce reward is money. Both sides want money for different things. But money seems to be insufficient 

3. Conflict of Policy

   1. This happens when there is a disagreement about how to deal with a situation

   2. When problems arise, different people may have different solutions or approaches that they feel is best suited to solve the issue.

   3. i.e. Recently,  your subordinate has been coming late to work rather frequently. You believe that you should talk to him/her and find out the reason for his/her tardiness. Your partner believes that you should punish him immediately before it gets worse.

4. Conflict of Values

   1. This happens when there is conflict between the personal values of you and the other person. 

   2. I.e. your partner believes that it is more important to save money however, you believe it is more important to invest the money into other areas.  

5. Conflict of Ego 

   1. This is when one feels that losing the argument will damage the person’s self-esteem or reputation

   2. To avoid feeling powerless or taken advantage of. 

   3. I.e. During team discussions, your ideas seem to have been quickly ignored or discarded recently. This made you feel angry and not appreciated, hurting your ego. Because of this you start treating your teammates more negatively. 

6. Conflict of Fairness 

   1. This occurs when one party feels that he/she/they are treated unfairly usually by a superior. 

   2. I.e. You and your colleague have been working on a big event under a respected supervisor recently. Your supervisor frequently praises your colleague but not you and you felt that this is unfair.