Overview

Main Idea: Patterns of conflict are designed to produce certain results. 

Conflict style cultivates specific patterns. These patterns make it more or less likely that certain emotional triggers are exposed and even validated. In other words, the way you approach conflict yields certain patterns of communication—emotional, functional, and otherwise. The results you get are intimately connected to the way you pattern your conflict style and emotional engagement.

So how do we cultivate healthy, constructive pathways and patterns for optimal results in difficult situations? Part of the process is owning our emotions. Dr. Brene Brown in her book Braving the Wilderness puts it this way: People often silence themselves, or “agree to disagree” without fully exploring the actual nature of the disagreement, for the sake of protecting a relationship and maintaining connection. But when we avoid certain conversations, and never fully learn how the other person feels about all of the issues, we sometimes end up making assumptions that not only perpetuate but deepen misunderstandings, and that can generate resentment.

This truth applies in varying degrees to all conflict contexts. So, let’s take a closer look at how to pattern our engagement of conflict in a way that empowers brave communication and transformative outcomes.

Braving the Wilderness 

Watch the video assigned to this forum (link below). Then post a thread that synthesizes your response to the following questions:

1. What 3 ideas can we glean from this conversation to advance how we engage potential or real conflict situations?
2. How does each one help us to navigate conflict well?
3. What biblical truth contributes to this conversation? Explain your choice.

Proper APA style is required when using in-text citations and documenting your resource(s). 

VIDEO LINK to an interview with Dr. Brene Brown