Overt (open) conflict may arise due to such factors as:

• Misunderstandings or differing assumptions and perceptions. This presents an opportunity for clarification and a better understanding of oneself and others.
• Different management styles, behavior patterns, and interpersonal relations can prevent collaboration or the move toward common goals. Here is an opportunity for improving interpersonal relationships, clarifying differences in approach, and creating mutual trust and concern.
• A conflict of goals that is significant and real.

A realistic approach is to open up a dialogue over the differences and see where the divergence is really serious. This way, they may be able to work out an acceptable compromise. For example, let’s say that a married couple is planning a vacation. The husband would like to spend the time at a fishing lodge or puttering around fixing up the house. The wife would like to spend the time at the seashore and perhaps visiting relatives. If both people know that their goals are different and that they see vacation time differently, they can talk it through. Perhaps they compromise and work out a schedule both parties can live with. Perhaps they decide to have one type of vacation this year and a different type next year. Ultimately there is an opportunity to resolve the conflict.