Identifying root causes and strategies for conflict resolution

Conflict is inevitable. Managing conflict requires self-reflection, realization of social and interpersonal aspects, and a well-thought-out strategic approach. Conflict often causes us to focus on and attribute the cause to our counterpart's personality deficits, even as we view our own role as situational. Conflicts are usually emotionally laden. Amygdala hijack and an uncontrolled response are risks. The external environment, situation, behavior patterns (consistency, distinctiveness, or social acceptability), and cognitive elements all need to be considered before reacting. Hospital organizational dynamics, among other things, can cause frustration. Conflicts arise based on people's intentions, motivations, psychological or physiological safety, feeling of belonging, and self-esteem. Understanding these influences and potential differences from our own state of mind allows us to consciously focus on a collaborative approach that aims to achieve a win-win solution for all involved. Incorporating a mechanism that allows logic to overcome the inevitable emotional component of the conflict is useful. The 4-second "pause" to gain "perspective" allows one to "prepare" a response for a nonemotional "presentation." This "4P's" strategy helps us focus on the issue, not our position on it, listen and stay in the present, and communicate without blame or assumption. It is critical to keep in mind that although conflict involves risk and cost, with effort it can be successfully managed to maintain strong relationships.