So, let's look at each of the steps or phases, just to understand what is happening. For now, we will not talk about resolving conflict in this communication, just what makes up the conflict cycle.

Tension

The conflict cycle starts with tension! Something isn't right between you and the other person(s). Obviously, there are multiple items that create the tension, but most often it is about someone not getting their way.

Conflicts can easily arise from...

• Differences - culture, goals, desires, etc.
• Power - how it is defined, how it is used
• Needs - ignored, blocked, confused, incompatible
• Perceptions - about self, about others, about the situation, about threat
• Emotions - how it feels not how it is, expressed emotions, suppressed emotions
• Values and Principles - unclear values for either or both parties, assume it is about preferences, assume it is about principles and values

Actually, the list is much longer, because tension can be created about anything.

Role Dilemma

This can be more easily understood if you think about "blaming." The tension has been created and now someone needs to be blamed. For example, someone didn't follow through with their job or responsibility and that is why we are in this mess right now! And, that someone is not ME! Most likely it's YOU!

So, the tension is escalated, because it is becoming more emotional. Instead of using the situation to learn and grow, it becomes a battlefield to prove that you are right and they are wrong.

Gathering Injustices

To prove that the blame is accurate, you look for the facts to support your case. Both parties begin their research about the tension and role dilemma to prove the other person is wrong.

"Justice" must prevail and with enough facts or enough talk, the blame will be assigned "correctly" and it won't be on you!

Confronting

Now, with the injustices gathered, you confront each other to see who will win. You will soon see who has the best argument or the most skill to overcome the opposing arguments. If you know your preferred conflict style, this is the time you will most likely use it.

And, if you know more about conflict and the conflict cycle, you will use the appropriate style for situation. (If you are interested in knowing about your conflict styles, contact us to take the Thomas-Kilman Conflict Mode Instrument.)

Adjusting

At some point in the confrontation, you move into the adjustment phase. There are at least four options in this phase.

I've Got More Issues

Often, the adjustment provides an opportunity to drag other unresolved issues into this conflict. That allows either of you go back to the beginning with "I've got more issues!" Doing that adds even more tension to the situation.

I Didn't Gather Enough Stuff

Another option is skipping tension and role dilemma and landing back at gathering more injustices. That is like a time out in a sports event, "Time out, we will reconvene to fight more later." Now, both sides have the opportunity to gather more facts to support their position.

I'm Outa Here!

Worse, you decide to separate from each other without any resolution. Many people do this, because there is some relief to not be dealing with the conflict. The separation may be short or lengthy. The problem is you have adopted the EXIT strategy instead of pushing to get a resolution.

Actually, the EXIT strategy is deceptive. It can appear to be a resolution, but it isn't. Agree to disagree can be a resolution, but a poor one. When you choose EXIT, you put the unresolved issue in the closet. It isn't resolved, it is just dormant - for now. It most often gets pulled out to support some other conflict you have.

Resolution!

The best option for the confronting step is to actually find a RESOLUTION. Unfortunately, resolution requires effort and it isn't fun much of the time. 

Now that you know the elements of the Conflict Cycle, start finding a resolution so that you can get out of the cycle!