Conflict—and the drama that usually comes with it—is (ugh) hard for me. I also don't think I'm alone in feeling that way.

It can be hard to want to run head-first into conflict when we know it takes time, and emotional energy, and usually means we have to change something on the other end of it.

It takes intention effort and work (and we usually have plenty demanding our attention and energy already).

Here are 3 things I've learned when it comes to conflict that make it easier to work through: 

1. Our side is only our side, never the whole story. Ask before you assume the worst.
2. If it's personal, don't make it public. Address it one-on-one.
3. Radical candor. This doesn't mean being an a-hole. It means being clear and honest.

—benj