Conflict handling programme
Abilities and concept of the conflict handling programme
It is important to know a conflict is a natural and unavoidable part of life. People develop their own answer to conflicts out of their own - almost daily – experience with all kinds of conflicts. The answer varies according to the kind of conflict or the kind of relationship they have with the participants in the conflict. Some choose one way of handling every kind of conflict, no matter the factors or relationship.
Conflicts are abundant taking into account that every individual is unique and has his own values, needs and desires. Often a conflict has nothing to do with right or wrong, but with differences. A lot of people think conflict handling to be very difficult because they never learned to solve mutual problems in a non – violent way.
Every individual carries within himself the ‘ fight or fly’ reaction as an answer to a conflict. In this way the primitive human being could save his life in life threatening situations. But in our modern society this reaction is not always the right answer. Adrenaline allows us to fly ( avoid ) or to fight ( attack). As to conflict handling it allows us to react without flying nor fighting.
Conflict handling programs start with the initial idea successful answers can be taught. Through communication and problem solving abilities a win – win situation can be created. It is up to the teacher to make clear that these abilities are equal of value.
First step is to obtain insight in the conflict. A conflict can either be very simple or complex depending on the different causes and participants. Once the matter of conflict is clear, a satisfying solution can be searched for.
What forms part of the conflict?
· Interpersonal, relational and group conflicts
· Basic needs: power, desire, freedom, pleasure, safety
· Motives: possession, surroundings, opinions, methods, belief, control
· Kinds of conflicts: challenging the authority, exceeding the bounds, recreational, cultural,..
The Chinese language uses two characters to express the word ‘ conflict’. One character stands for danger, the other for chance. The one who is afraid of conflict only seems to spot the hidden danger in a challenging situation.
Conflict management offers the benefit to see possibilities, chances in every conflict situation.
Youngsters copy opinions and behaviour one offers them. As a teacher you could help them to recognize the positive side in a conflict. Every triggering situation should be used to train and increase this ability.
It is very important pupils experience success when applying these skills. Moreover they have to be made sure that their safety can be guaranteed within or outside school.
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Commission On Dispute Resolution & Conflict Management
Conflict Management Program - website in
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