“When we change the way we look at things, the things we look at change.” - Wayne Dyer

When people are asked to list the words they associate with conflict, Fight, Anger, Pain, War and Avoid, are some of the more frequent responses.  The Mandt System asks us to change the way we think about conflict.

“Building Healthy Conflict Resolution” is one the most important chapters in The Mandt System.  Rather than define conflict as negative, it is seen as a normal and unavoidable dynamic of relationship, which should be embraced for the opportunities it presents.

The Mandt System defines conflict this way: “An emotional state between two persons in a relationship where disagreement or misunderstanding about needs, drives, wishes, and/or demands has occurred.”  Conflict can also occur within a group and Mandt captures it this way: “Problems occur when the differences between two or more people necessitate change in at least one person in order for the relationship to continue to grow and develop.”

Defined this way, The Mandt System approaches conflict resolution as an essential problem-solving process.  If relationship is the context within which all our work occurs, then effective communication is the lynch-pin.  Conflict resolution is an important aspect of effective communication and building healthy relationships. 

You can’t actually avoid conflict, and choosing to opt out of conflict resolution is not an option within an organization which strives to continually improve its services and its relationships with all stakeholders.

So, get out there and ask questions, express opinions, and share feelings.  The Mandt System provides the tools and serves as a guide for each of us to build healthy relationships.  Engage the conflict you find yourself part of.  Meet the challenge; we’ll all be better for it!

“If you understood everything I said, you’d be me.” - Miles Davis