Competitive Conflict Situations


Conflict arise from differences -  in requirements, beliefs, attitudes or anything else -  either internally or between individuals or groups.

Most conflicts do not

require resolution - each party can proceed independently. However, if the requirements of each party within the area of conflict are mutually exclusive, then some sort of resolution needs to be achieved. Basically a choice between alternatives can be made or a compromise reached. For this to happen an element of goodwill and a willingness to seek a solution which best meets the needs of both sides is necessary.

Should an element of competitiveness be present or arise during the course of trying to resolve the conflict, then it is unlikely that a compromise will be achievable. A choice backed by the greater power of one or other side would then be the best that can be hoped for with minimum co-operation from the losing side. And this may not be the optimum solution. it may be that the opposite choice would have been satisfactory to both parties, but this is unlikely to be admitted once the demon of a too-fragile ego enters the fray.

Be wary of any sign of competitiveness in such a situation. It militates in many cases against satisfactory solution and may well prevent a good compromise being achieved.

Try to defuse any signs of competitiveness right from the start, especially when dealing with known competitive individuals. Get agreement on the need for a mutually satisfactory solution from the start. Re-visit previous inputs to decisions (clearly all factors had not been taken into consideration!) for both parties and re-evaluate in the light of the latest available information. If the discussion seems to be getting heated try to postpone a decision to give time for reconsideration

Competion can often be the enemy of progress, and it may be that modern-day society over-emphasizes it to the detriment of proper effectiveness.