Conflict is not avoidable. Conflict is the result of disagreements which often relate to differences in values, goals, and perspectives. Not everyone is going to like, agree with, nor be able to work with just anyone else.

Sometimes reactions are inappropriate. Sometimes they are very appropriate. Can you give some examples of each? Think of sports. Referees intervene when there is a conflict among players. That is appropriate. Then fans boo the referees, or physically assault them. That is inappropriate.

Conflict can cause polarization. Think of health care as an example. Communities can become polarized over things like whether they need a new hospital or whether the present hospital is adequate for the job.

Since conflict is perfectly normal, we should expect it to occur, just like death and taxes. We must accept its existence. Trying to stop all conflict is a waste of our time and energy, especially since there can be such positive results to some conflict.

Conflict can have either constructive or destructive effects, and we must have a good sense as to when it is something we want to eliminate and when it is something we want to build on.