Our metaphors matter immensely,

because they influence how we think and feel about conflict.

For example, if we think conflict is the plague,

we will naturally try to avoid it and the people related to it.

What if it is not only challenging,

but also full of beautiful potential?

What if it has incredible power to transform us personally

and the world we live in?

1. Recognize what the conflict is really about

                                                (e.g. external details or internal values)

It means that we must learn to look at conflict differently.

There are three key steps towards that shift:

2. Recognize when you are stuck

                                                    (e.g. believing you are blameless)

3. Learn the art of speaking responsibly

                                                    (e.g. with care and consideration)

V-ulnerability: being authentic with your feelings

O-wnership: being accountable with your contributions

C-ommunication: ask openly, listen actively, express caringly

A-cceptance: embrace the painful reality of the situation

B-oundaries: create ground rules for creating safe behaviour

    We can practice this new VOCAB like learning a new language.