Questions to Consider During a Conflict

When you find yourself in a conflict, reflect on the following questions:

• What is the nature of the conflict?
• Who are the involved parties?
• What benefits would arise from resolving this conflict?
• If the conflict remains unresolved, what advantages might I gain?
• What potential harm could result if the conflict is not addressed?
• Would resolving this conflict lead to a better situation than before it occurred?
• Regardless of the outcome, can I identify any positive aspects that the conflict may bring?

Each person’s stated position is driven by a set of needs. Some needs are stronger than others. Driving those needs are assumptions about how needs can be filled, about how the world works, and about what is possible and what is not. Assumptions can be opinions, beliefs, or facts.