Conflicts are usually caused by differences. It could be difference in beliefs, difference in understanding, difference in attitudes or just difference in opinions. As we interact with others, there are bound to be differences between us. I am sure everyone has experienced some sort of conflict before. This highlights the importance of knowing how to handle conflicts, so that we can benefit from the conflicts and prevent minimize the damage that it may cause.In life, we are often given two choices, the right way and the easy way. In comparison, the right way is often tougher and needs more effort, whereas the easy way is to just give up or to take short-cuts. Now, I will share an example where I am faced with such a choice.
During my upper secondary school days, I am often tasked to organize events for the juniors in my CCA. Each time, I would be assigned with a few others to organize the event. More often than not, we would like to choose the easy way, as it requires less effort. However, there are times where I feel that we should choose the right way, as I felt that the event is important. There is once where we have to organize a hiking trip to let the juniors practice their map reading skills. As usual, the other members in my t
eam want to easy way, which is to just plan the route and let the juniors hike. However, I insisted on having a recce of the route to make sure that it is safe, as we should be responsible for the safety of our juniors. As a result, a conflict arises, as many felt that it was not needed. In the end, I conducted the recce with two members of the team, as the others refuses to go.Looking back, I feel that the conflict arises as we view the importance of the safety of our juniors differently. I am sure the conflict can be resolved better, and that full participation of the recce would be achieved. How do you propose the actions that should be done to achieve full participation, or at least to change their view that safety is important.
Leonard Lim (C06)
