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What Causes Conflicts?

Some causes of conflicts can be very simple. It is 5:30 P.M. Ted has been at work since 7:30 A.M. and was too busy to stop for lunch. He gets a phone call from one of his project managers who raises a new problem. Ted’s reaction is strong. He cuts off the manager and slams down the phone.

It is not like Ted to behave so curtly, but his reaction has caused a conflict. Why? Ted is hungry! What he needs most is food, not another hour at work!

Other conflicts are more complex and their causes are harder to decipher. Jane is a new employee who feels left out and confused. This is her first professional job. After three weeks ...

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