Conflict Resolution Tips: See Others Fairly

In conflict situations, many of us struggle to maintain a fair and objective perspective about the other person.

We assign all kinds of bad motives and intentions to their behaviors before we slow down long enough to really understand their perspective.

This weekend I found a quote that offers a way to avoid this problem.

Never ascribe to an opponent motives meaner than your own.

– J.M. (James Matthew) Barrie (1860–1937), British playwright. Rectorial address, May 3, 1922, St Andrew's University, Scotland. Quoted in Times (London, May 4, 1922).

I don't have much to add to this quote. I offer it today as food for thought the next time you find yourself in a conflict.