Our Thoughts About Conflict

While we are keeping social distance and have a lot of time on our hands, let’s do some conflict resolution…

Our Thoughts About Conflict

Conflict Web

Working with groups, we often start by gathering words associated with the word conflict.

After we have created a Conflict Web, we ask: What do you notice here?

'Its all negative'. 'Bad'. 'Conflict is not welcome'. 'We don't like conflict!'

When folks start mining their memories for messages they have adopted about conflict, they often uncover the incomplete and unhelpful ideas that are prevailing in our world.

Our work is about moving conflict concepts away from the lose-lose mentality to a new conflict metaphor.

  • Conflict as a problem to be solved

  • Conflict as an opportunity

  • Conflict as a time to learn

  • Conflict as a gift.

  • Conflict as...(a garden? a journey? a house?...)

Do this: take a piece of paper and write down all the words you associate with conflict.

Try to come up with a list of conflict metaphors. Be creative!

Consider where these messages came from in your life.

Read an article Conflict Metaphors

Testimonials

“I was terrified when I came into the court. It seemed like the end of the world. Thanks to my compassionate and understanding mediators, I was able to have a productive conversation with someone I considered an adversary. I couldn’t believe we were able to work it out without going in front of a judge. Thank you MVMP.”

– Small Claims Client

“I was really not looking forward to mediation. But it turned turned out to be relatively pleasant. I really enjoyed working with the two of you. I plan to recommend mediation to others.”

– Divorce Client

“You brought us all together. It was awesome. I am so relieved. All our people felt uplifted, more united and part of a team. In particular one Board member said she felt she was taken care of with kindness and wisdom. We all know each other much better, have defined our work together and are in such better shape than we were when we started. Thank you MVMP.”

– Facilitation Client

“If you have the chance to do Conflict Coaching, DO IT! It was eye opening for me. My coach was kind, insightful and such a great listener. Most importantly, I learned so much about myself and about how I handle conflict. I now have a good, solid conflict management plan for the future.”

– Conflict Coaching Client

“It was valuable to help me handle a current conflict in my workplace. Putting a positive spin on conflict was an eye-opener for me. It gives me a structure to address problems. We had a very serious conflict at work recently so this is very important and relevant to me right now.”

– Workplace Conflict Management Services