Disadvantages of Conflict Apathy People may not care to work with the other perspectives, preferring to bow out. Abandonment People may tend to give up on a process if they feel it can't be solved. Confusion Differing opinons about data and analysis may cloud issues and comparisons between alternatives. Stress and frustration Confrontations may get personal or escalate. It is never fun to be the object of someone else's dislike.
Feelings are just as real as facts.
Managing Conflict Ignoring conflict isn't very realistic. Problems will not go away by themselves. Establish ground rules These rules establish guidelines for communicating and addressing the problem. Create objective criteria that applies to and is independant from both sides. Listen Understand, acknowledge, and respond to messages being sent.