A helpful guide on ways in engaging in truly positive conflict resolution, one where the concept of fighting fire with water is explained.

1. Dr Cameron Sordi - fighting fire with water, why this is the path to conflict resolution
I firmly believe that one's workplace should be a peaceful and joyous place to work. Generally
speaking, one spends more wake time at work than in any other activity. It’s a myth that one
has to hate it or that one should dread going to work. Many times, the base of any dread of
going to work is conflict with another co-worker or client.
Where ever I practice dentistry, I strive to cultivate an environment that is free of conflict. But,
no matter what one does to create a stress-free atmosphere, conflict happens. It happens in
part because we are each different, with different points of view and backgrounds.
But, it isn’t the conflict that is the real problem, but, rather, how we solve it. This is where I
adhere to the idea of fighting fire with water. This is the path to successful conflict resolution.
Fighting fire with water is a pretty simple concept.
Fires burn bright and hot. They are aggressive and potentially harmful. With a soothing splash
of water, the fire is promptly put out. Some people adhere to the fighting fire with fire ideology,
but fighting fire with fire just makes things burn quicker. Resolving the conflict quickly and
efficiently is a critically important strategy, as is the involvement of both parties working on a
positive result. Yelling, shouting and anger have no place in proper conflict resolution, and no
place in how I practice. These are words and methods that I live by and why I strive to make
employees and colleagues as comfortable as possible.
For positive conflict resolution to really occur, communication has to flow, much like water.
Steady and consistent. I don’t want employees or colleagues believing they can’t come to me
with their problems or that they have to stew over their concerns with coworkers or with me.
Only with people talking it out can true resolution occur.
Often the greatest challenge is the first step. This involves gaining the active participation of
those involved. For some, the instinct to be secretive and to light covert fires can be very
strong. These instincts generally stem from mindsets in which one reacts to feelings of injury
by causing injury to a perceived offender. Our feelings, while very real, actually trick us because
they are based on our interpretations of events. Thus, most conflicts actually arise from
misunderstandings. This is why communication is the key to calm resolution.
One of my favorite motivational speakers, C.J. Calvert, speaks in great detail on the idea of
fighting fire with water in the resolution of conflict. His words have really influenced me and

2. positively affected how I work with others. I try to work constructively in a positive, engaging
manner.
Where things get really interesting is when despite one’s best efforts to engage positively, a
“fire starter” seems unable or unwilling to reciprocate. One has to be creative and patient.
Sometimes the best immediate action is no action because there are times when the quickest
path to “the flames dying out” in a self limiting fire is to let the fire quiet on its own and then
build momentum on that calming trend. This isn’t the same as ignoring a situation, which
would be neglectful. I refer to what might be called “actively waiting” in that there has been a
tactful decision to be patient and wait for better timing.
I'm a dentist by profession and I know that working in a dental office is a little different from
working in a corporate office, retail shop, realtor’s office, etc, however; we all have the same
thing in common: great coworkers and personnel. So, the practices I pride myself on can be
applied across the board. A dental practice should be led by upholding the principles of
listening to staff, keeping communication lines open, and making sure that the people I work
with are satisfied with their work experience. These principles are incredibly significant in most
businesses and, indeed, in most pursuits that involve engaging with others or with a team.
Needless to say, the concept that fire should be fought with water is an incredibly helpful
philosophy to keep in mind.