Conflict: When it's Productive and When it's Unhealthy

Navigating Differences with Openness, Respect, and Self-Reflection

Conflict isn't always negative!

Conflict can be a productive force that helps us better understand ourselves and others. It can be helpful both personally and professionally, strengthening our relationship with ourselves and others around us.

However, conflict can also be unhealthy and destructive, often ending in communication cutoffs, damaged relationships, or even end in abuse. Therefore, it's important to understand the difference between productive and unhealthy conflict, as well as recognize when you're avoiding conflict, so we can keep conflict constructive and growth-oriented.

What is Productive Conflict

When conflict is productive, it helps us to identify areas of disagreement, clarify our values and beliefs, and explore our own and the perspective of others. When we participate in productive conflict, we learn more about ourselves and others and develop problem-solving skills while building stronger relationships.

Healthy conflict, in fact, is an aspect of all areas of our lives, including at work, within our family, and in all other relationships. At work, for example, you and your colleague may have opposing opinions on a project, or your political views might differ from those of your family. In this situation, it's important to be open and honestly communicate, to listen to the other person, and a willingness to understand each other's perspectives.

When is Conflict Unhealthy