I am on the board of an organization committed to conflict resolution. What do we do when a conflict arises in our ranks? We put our heads in the sand and pretend. Usually people are drawn to work that will help them resolve their own internal struggles. People who are drawn to conflict resolution work are very often conflict avoidant.
There are five board members for this organization. Of the five, three are committed to real change, forging ahead in a new direction. One is indifferent, not really committed to the organization in any substantive way. The third seems invested in the status quo, resistant to change. This individual is perceived as the leader of the group; other group members defer to her primarily because she has devoted a lot of time and energy to the organization.
This is not the first time I have found myself in this situation: pushing for change and dealing with resistant individuals. However, my perspective has changed. I am now committed to finding solutions that meet the needs of all concerned. It begins by believing that it is possible.
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