Creative Conflict—4

When we are able to look at conflict and disagreement as a creative opportunity and a chance for personal learning, we begin to see conflict differently. Here are some of the changes that occur:

• Conflict is no longer personal. Its about what’s right, not who is right.
• The mission of the organization (church) becomes the most important thing
• We work hard to protect the team and the church
• We understand and acknowledge our emotions
• The situation is reframed into a more useful construct
• We are thoughtful
• We are reflective
• We listen to understand what the underlying issues may be
• We do not see negative intentions in other persons

These attitudes and behaviors enable us to employ conflict to reach a creative and useful end. We learn more about ourselves and we discover solutions to our common problems that are more effective.