Facilitation Guide for Effective Conflict

Internal conflict 2
David is not happy with the conditions at his present job in a company that 
works with computers. The salary is low and at the moment there is no 
possibility for him to advance in his career. However, he has been working 
in this job for years, he has a good relationship with his colleagues and he 
knows exactly how things work in this company. Recently, he discovered 
there is a job vacancy in another company that works with computers. He 
doesn’t know anything about this company. 
Obviously, David is in a dilemma whether to change his job or not. Out of which need would 
he want to change his job? Probably the first that would come to our mind would be that he is 
not happy at his present job, the conditions are not very positive if he wants to advance in his 
career. This is the explanation of the situation and it is a good first step in trying to identify the 
need. The next thing would be to go further and ask, “which need of his can not be satisfied 
at his present job?” The obvious answer is – the need to develop, grow, advance in his career.
On the other hand, David would not want to change his job. Why? Possible explanations might 
be that he doesn’t know anything about the other company; he doesn’t know any people 
there and is not sure what he could expect there; he does not how things work there; and he 
is unsure whether he would like it there. So, which need is in jeopardy if he goes for this new 
job? Most likely, David’s need to feel safe.
Now, the common goal is what David would have or achieve if both his needs were satisfied, 
if he could advance in his career and feel safe at work at the same time. Perhaps we could say 
that he would feel happy with his job. 
Let’s read this Cloud:
In order for David to feel happy with his job, he needs to advance in his career and that’s why 
he wants to change his job. On the other hand, in order for David to feel happy with his job, he 
needs to feel safe at work and that’s why he does not want to change his job.
COMMON GOAL
WANTS 
NEEDS 
To feel happy with 
his job
To be able to advance 
in his career
To change job
To feel safe
Not to change job

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