Conflict can motivate people to think harder, take action and learn. While conflict is inevitable during times of change, it is important to direct the energies created by conflict towards positive change. When handling conflict, it is important to listen well, explore all perspectives, build stronger relationships, and focus on mutual understanding rather than winning an argument.

1. Conflict as a Motivator
Conflict can motivate people to think harder, take
action and learn
Agree to disagree
Exploration of those disagreements to generate
positive change

2. Thinking
about conflict
Who was
involved?
What was
happening?
How did
you feel?
Click the play arrow when you’re ready to continue.
Exercise 1

3. Think about how we cope with conflict and how
to support others through conflict.
Learn to direct energies created by conflict to promote
positive change.
Objectives:
To understand that conflict can be
positive and is inevitable if change is
to happen.

4. Why do we engage
in conflict?
Disagreement
Strong collision of values, needs, interests
Desire to change or do things differently
Not seeing eye to eye

5. “We cannot solve a problem with
the same thoughts that created the
problem; we need to think differently.”
—Albert Einstein

6. Listen well
Explore and expand new possibilities
Build stronger relationships
Person Centered Thinking and Planning
helps us to:

7. Moving through conflict with Ryan’s parents
Met with Mr. and
Mrs. Woods
Ryan needed
different services
Both the parents
were upset
Learned what was
Important to Ryan
Better understanding of
the circumstances
Provide the family with
other resources

8. Thought Exercise
Who was involved?
What were the outcomes?
What were the positive outcomes?
Journal
Exercise 2

9. Optimistic Discontent
Cynical Discontent

10. Where most learning occurs
What makes your
volcano explode?
Comfort
Stretch
Danger
Explode!
Stretch
Situation Physical/Emotional Signs
• Exploration and discovery
• Stretching physically, mentally, or emotionally
• Giving feedback, having to say no to requested
service
• Feeling nervous
• Scared of disappointing
• Worried
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11. Likely to become unproductive
Comfort
Stretch
Danger
Explode!
Danger
Situation Physical/Emotional Signs
• People exerting power
• Visibly unhappy
• People are defensive or dishonest to protect
their own self interest
• Scared of what will happen
• Loss of control
• Defensive
• Frustrated
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12. www.csrpcp.net
Returning from Danger
1. What do you do to move
away from danger and
back towards stretch
and comfort?
Exercise 4
Returning
from Danger

13. What helps me better cope
with conflict
What is important to me
that is motivating my
disagreement?
• Important for others to hear
or understand about
my concern
What are my gifts and
strengths?
• Unique strengths
• Things you are proud of
What support do I need to express my view well,
and to keep me safe while I express my views?
• What would help you feel comfortable to share?

14. Coping with Conflict: another point of view:
A Guided Reflection
Breathe...
…contemplate questions…
…close your eyes.

15. Coping with Conflict
Coping with
Conflict
What arethe gifts and strengthsofthe
person
I disagreewith?
What is important to that personthat
is motivating their disagreement with
me?
What supportdo I need to express my views well and to keep me safewhileI
expressmy views?
Exercise 6

16. Guidelines for handling conflict
 Conflict is necessary for
positive change
 Recognize that a conflict exists,
and be aware of your own
reaction to this
 Pause to consider how to ensure
that the person’s views can be
expressed and heard
 Listen for what is important
to each party in the conflict

17. “Not everything that is faced can be changed, but
nothing can be changed until it is faced”.
— James A. Baldwin