Conflict is not about winning; it's about resolving

Active listening is not just hearing what is said but understanding what is meant. Most misunderstandings could be avoided if people would simply take the time to ask, ‘What else could this mean? “An eye for an eye will only make the whole world blind.” Mahatma Gandhi. 

The best way to resolve conflict is not to avoid it but to address it head-on! Trust is the foundation of collaboration. Without it, there is no team. Trust takes years to build, seconds to break and forever to repair. 

Trust is even more critical in virtual teams. Without it, misunderstandings multiply. Collaboration tools are only as good as the team’s ability to communicate effectively. The best virtual teams create a culture of transparency and shared goals.

Do not think of knocking out another person’s brains because he differs in opinion from you. It would be as rational to knock yourself on the head because you differ from yourself ten years ago.

Celebrate diversity, practice acceptance and may we all choose peaceful options to conflict. Peace is better than war, because conflict resolutions can be made without a waste of life and resources. 

''Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak. Courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen.'' Winston Churchill. When you run for any political position, you have certain obligations. One of them is to avoid even the appearance of conflicts of interest.