The inability to rise above conflict is a key reason that organizations and relationships fail. This is true not only of work groups and partnerships, but marriages and families as well.

You can often trace conflict back to miscommunication or misunderstandings; so the first step to overcoming conflict, is to understand it.

Understand These 5 Elements of Conflict

1. Conflict is a normal part of life.

Conflict occurs in every organization and relationship from time to time. The key rests in how you resolve and learn from these situations.

2. Conflict can often be avoided or minimized.

One of the secrets to minimizing conflict is understanding your own attitudes toward it. How much do you need to win? Is coming out ahead in this discussion more important to you than the long-term relationship? Would you rather win the battle and lose the war?

3. Separate major from minor conflicts.

Focus on the things that really matter and help others do the same. Don’t waste time and energy battling over things that don’t matter.

4. Every conflict does not have to generate a winner and a loser.

Often a midpoint is the perfect solution. Be the first one to suggest compromise by making a small concession.

5. You can learn from a conflict.

When you replace the win/lose attitude with a learn/learn attitude, you are taking the first steps toward learning from conflict and minimizing it in the future.