How can you manage conflicts related to identity, privilege, and oppression?

I love using ORSC™ Third Entity technique to help bring perspective to other views. By allowing clients to move into physical positions as if they were standing in someone else’s shoes, they can embody the other point of view. They see themselves through other’s eyes. Then, using a ‘third’ position, they observe the conflict as a system or relationship separate from the individuals. They can observe how they are showing up and recognize how does the other person feels or reacts. This creates an ‘experience’ of empathy, which can help the feeling stick!

Managing identity, privilege, and oppression conflicts requires acknowledging personal privilege and being transparent. In professional discussions, open dialogue is vital, but leaders must address potentially harmful personal opinions. Accountability is crucial for those in power. The overarching aim is growth and understanding for all participants, fostering a culture of inclusivity and learning within organizations.

The most important aspect of this is empathy, and understanding. Empathy means walk in someone else's shoes. The best way I help people to reduce conflicts based on identity is to use examples, some of which are very obvious and others are nuances so people can understand the importance of being empathetic. The next stage is to encourage people to be self aware. Some people think, I'm not this, and I'm not that. The reality is we are all a multitude of things, we have three or four groups at least that we all can belong to, sometimes more, we can be one thing in the morning or something else in the afternoon. We can all be better off and we all can be worse off. There are always people in front of us and also behind us,

Open and honest communication is key in preventing conflicts of interest related to identity, privilege, and oppression. We can address potential conflicts head-on by following strict behavior guidelines and being transparent. In cases where conflicts are more challenging, engaging in meaningful and sincere dialogue is crucial as being willing to find compromises that benefit all parties involved.

Knowing who you are and how you would like people to see you. Constantly getting reviews. And by being true to yourself after which feedback will guide you about new views and approaches in life.

The country is like a home. If someone wants to enter the house, at least they have to knock on the door and get permission from the owner. But now I don’t understand why the stowaways can enter the USA without scruples or respect for this country. There is a significant gap in the US-Mexico border wall; smugglers worldwide know about it, but the US Department of Homeland Security doesn't know about it. It doesn't have time to deal with it, even if it knows about it. As a result, tens of thousands of smugglers and fentanyl carriers freely entered the United States from here. Now, I’m beginning to miss the Trump era, when at least someone can hold the door of the country.

Listen actively and empathically to the experiences and perspectives of others, especially those who are marginalized or oppressed. This can help create a safe and inclusive space where everyone feels heard and validated. Additionally, it is important to educate oneself about the historical and systemic factors that contribute to privilege and oppression, in order to better understand and challenge these power dynamics.

I enjoy listening to others in where they have been, collaborating with visionaries and how we can make a difference together regardless of age, color, gender or sexual orientation. Everyone has a story both good and bad.

In life sometimes people see themselves as rivals as competition, the reality is we all are unique even if we do similar things or have something in common. Taking the view that together everyone achieves more (TEAM) is a great position to take. One reason for conflicts is people might see its you or them, This could be on an individual basis or an organisational basis. Taking the TEAM approach you can look for mutual wins to help everyone

That is why building trust and being authentic as a leader is extremely vital not just as a “garment” you wear when conflict arises. It’s the daily seeds of trust, authenticity and letting people know where you stand is essential. It’s about standing up for your own values and that makes it easier for you to be a valuable and trusted participant in any conflict resolution.