Generating options

When we train or talk about conflict, we encourage people to think about the range of responses they have to conflict. If you ask most people about conflict, they’ll come up with the idea of ‘fight or flight’ – either engage and get into a physical or verbal tangle, or walk away.

Through a variety of interactive exercises, we demonstrate how humans have a much more sophisticated response to conflict than that. Once people understand how complex their own responses are, based on a combination of upbringing, experience and personality, they realise how true that is for others also.

Through introducing the idea of a ‘third way’ – flow – people realise they can address conflict situations in a positive, future focussed way that will allow them to state what they want and need without aggravating the situation further. By taking a positive stand, they can move towards better understanding with those they are in conflict with.