This week’s conflict resolution tip is about what it means to stop being right when in conflict.
As humans, we like being right. We like to have a coherent sense of the world and what our place is in it. This means that when we have certain idea or belief, it can be difficult for us to consider the idea that we may not be totally right. When talking about conflict resolution, just because we want to be right (1) does not mean that we are right and (2) does not mean that we are the only people that are right. In order to effectively engage in conflict resolution and bring peace into your life, we must consider that we may be wrong. Additionally, we must break away from the dualistic mindset that “we are right and they are wrong” and instead consider that there may be other versions of ‘right,’ other truths, and other realities. Being able to question ourselves in this way allows us to think creatively to solve conflicts. Once we realize someone else is right or that we are wrong, telling them this (i.e. “I was wrong” or “You were right”) can push everyone towards the direction of resolution. Ultimately, it is a tough proposition to bring peace into our lives when we are not willing to question the ways in which we think we are right. If you want to bring more peace into your life, make a habit of questioning this when in conflict.
