Conflict and Patterns (We're A Lot Like Wallpaper)

If you’ve ever done a project with wallpaper (not the kind for your computer desktop), you know that patterns play a huge role in your efforts.

When you’re preparing to hang the strips side-by-side, you must take a good look at the pattern in the paper. You have to line up each strip in a way that allows the pattern to repeat successfully.

If you don’t pay attention to this, your wall will be a vision of chaos.

It is a similar situation in approaching conflict. As you have lived your life, you’ve developed patterns of coping with conflict. There are ways that you habitually engage and communicate in the difficult circumstances.  

Some of these patterns are productive and helpful, while others are not.

When you take the time for some self-reflection, and identify your patterns, you have a greater understanding of your conflict behavior and of how you relate to others in your contexts of disharmony.

Just like paying attention to the wallpaper patterns enables you to end up with a peaceful wall, when you ascertain troubling conflict patterns and learn new ways of behaving, your outcome is a more peaceful relationship.

At my Orlando workshop in a couple of weeks, we will take time to explore existing personal conflict patterns and some new ideas for changing the ones that are counterproductive.

Whether or not you’ll be my guest on October 15^th, spend a little time giving your patterns and habits some thought. Recognizing even one thing that you can change can be a big start toward improving your conflict moments.

DrK

If you'd like to know more about how to look for your conflict patterns, contact me at
confidentconflict.com for a complimentary conversation!

"12 Ways to Rule in Conflict" Free Download