{mosimage}By Stephanie A. Parson, Ph.D.
Have you ever allowed unresolved situations hurt important relationships? Or lashed out when dealing with difficult people? Or allowed people to continuously push your button? Most of us answer yes to one or more of these questions. These are simply signs of conflict, which can be defined as competitive or opposing action of incompatibles, struggle resulting from incompatible needs or demands. Conflict exists when two or more competing responses or courses of action to a single event are considered. However, conflict does not necessarily imply hostility…although hostility can become part of the situation. Conflict exists in our work place, our home life and our church life. How we handle (resolve) conflict is a sign of leadership.