Every single day — at work, at home, or even on the way to the office — we face conflict.
Whether you drive or take public transport, you’re surrounded by potential tension.
When you get to work, you deal with your team, clients, colleagues — and with endless situations that test your patience.
The truth is simple: the center of any conflict is a human being.
And that human is you.
How can you lower your involvement?
How can you stop reacting to irritants — both external and emotional?
Let’s start by understanding what types of conflicts exist.
🔹 What Is a Conflict?
A conflict is not just a fight — it’s a situation perceived as confrontational by the participants.
For a conflict to exist, three conditions must be met:
1️⃣ Perceived opposition. If someone silently dislikes you, that’s not a conflict yet.
2️⃣ An indivisible object. A task, a role, or even a chair that can’t be shared.
3️⃣ Ongoing engagement. The issue remains unresolved and continues to bother you.
🧩 Types of Conflicts
1️⃣ Intrapersonal Conflict
The most common kind is role conflict — when different roles demand opposite behaviors.
🧠 Example:
You’re a caring parent, but your leadership role keeps you late at work.
Or you’re assigned contradictory tasks simultaneously.
📉 Consequences: inner tension, dissatisfaction, low confidence.
2️⃣ Interpersonal Conflict
The classic “battle for a place under the sun.”
Competition for position, recognition, or resources — or simply clashing personalities and values.
When two people view the world in totally different ways, conflict is inevitable.
3️⃣ Person vs. Group Conflict
Every group — workplace, school, social circle — has its norms.
A newcomer with different rules often triggers friction.
A typical case: a manager vs. team dynamic.
4️⃣ Intergroup Conflict
Now it’s group vs. group.
Departments, organizations, or communities in opposition — “us vs. them.”
Examples: rival teams, competing companies, or family feuds.
🧠 Paul Ekman’s 5 Conflict Personality Types
1️⃣ “Sherman Tank” — dominant, forceful, believes only his opinion matters.
2️⃣ “Silent Type” — closed off, avoids direct communication, hides motives.
3️⃣ “Know-It-All” — confident in superior intelligence, enjoys proving others wrong.
4️⃣ “Pseudo-Altruist” — helps others but later feels regret or resentment.
5️⃣ “Irritable One” — quick to anger due to fatigue or overload, burns out fast.
💬 Want to discover your own conflict personality type?
Take the short test — and get your key to understanding how you react under stress.