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 on the job, she has not produced much work. Her new boss is frustrated and upset with her. He wonders when she will begin to produce.