Facilitation Guide for Effective Conflict

WHAT IS A CONFLICT
Sometimes, although we are trying to communicate effectively, we experience conflicts with 
other people. There are different ways different people define conflicts. We will use the defini-
tion that states that conflict is a clash between two different wants that cannot be achieved at 
the same time and in the same place. 
Conflicts can be 
internal 
(dilemmas), when one person has 
two wants that cannot be achieved at the same time in the 
same place. 
For example, somebody may ask himself “Shall I go home 
and straight to bed after work or shall I go out with my 
friends?”… He cannot do both things at the same time. 
CONFLICT IS A CLASH BETWEEN TWO DIFFERENT WANTS
THAT CANNOT BE ACHIEVED AT THE SAME TIME IN THE SAME PLACE

---

18
An 
external
conflict is a conflict between two different people or 
groups. For example, if two people are in the same room, one might 
want to have the window open and the other might want to have the 
window closed. They cannot have the window open and closed at the 
same time.
Conflict as a concept can help explain many aspects of social life such as social disagreement, 
differences of interests or opinion. In political terms, “conflict” can refer to wars, revolutions or 
other struggles, which may involve the use of force as in the term “armed conflict.”
Conflict is not always negative. In fact, it can be healthy when effectively managed. Healthy 
conflict can lead to growth, innovation and new ways of thinking. If the conflict is understood, 
it can be effectively managed by reaching a solution that meets both sides’ needs. This results 
in mutual benefits and strengthens the relationship. The goal is for all to “win” by having at 
least some of their needs met.
Different people behave differently in conflict situations.