Peace is not the absence of conflict rather it is the ability to handle conflict by peaceful means. Some of you might agree with the statement, while others may disagree, some might even choose to remain neutral.

This happens because we all hold unique values, goals, opinions, and ideologies in our lives that are shaped by our upbringing, family, society, and the nation. In our personal as well as professional lives, we may encounter many people who do not always agree with our opinions.

When individuals or groups hold conflicting opinions or interests, it can sometimes lead to disagreements or clashes—what we term as conflict. Conflict can range from minor misunderstandings to intense disputes, and its impact on those involved can be either positive or negative, depending on how it’s managed.

Poorly handled conflict can lead to communication breakdowns, strained relationships, increased stress, and a negative environment. However, when managed thoughtfully, conflict can be an opportunity for growth, helping to stimulate and strengthen relationships and enhance the overall productivity of the organization.

Conflicts often arise due to the following reasons:

Misunderstanding
Conflict can occur when the parties involved lack a detailed understanding of the situation, have limited or misinterpreted information, or are unaware of certain aspects of the issue.

Conflicting Styles
Differences in communication styles can lead to disputes. For instance, someone who speaks the truth but has a loud voice may come across as rude, or certain body gestures may seem aggressive. Such differences can escalate a simple conversation into a major conflict.

Divergent Points of View
Conflicts may arise when the parties involved hold differing opinions, interests, or perspectives on a matter.

Situational Challenges
Even the humblest individuals may find themselves in conflict due to situational pressures. Limited resources such as money, materials, manpower, or time can create chaotic and tension-filled circumstances.

As a leader,r we often have to manage the conflict that happens in-between our team members. We need to intervene if the gap in the communication between the parties is increasing which leads to misunderstanding. We need to intervene when the parties are trying to pull legs of each other which will automatically lower the productivity and efficiency of the institution. And to resolve the conflict I always use the techniques of Active listening, Intervening only when needed, being empathetic, practicing positive interaction techniques

Active Listening
A good leader should carefully listen to both parties and strive to understand their perspectives.

Intervening Only When Necessary
To prevent a conflict from escalating into a dispute, a good leader should step in only when it is essential.

Being Empathetic
Demonstrating empathy involves truly listening with both attention and understanding, showing that you genuinely care about the person's concerns.

Practicing Positive Interaction Techniques
Aim to steer the conversation in a positive and constructive direction.

In handling conflicts in both personal and professional life, I apply all these techniques. However, above all, I prioritize staying quiet and calm, as aggression can escalate the situation unnecessarily. If I feel I can't control my anger, I take a sip of water, hold it in my mouth for a while, close my eyes, and then swallow it slowly. I use this technique because, in moments of anger, people can say things they might regret later. So, my friends, sometimes we need to swallow our anger and emotions to effectively manage conflict.