How do you handle conflict when it comes your way? Do you react heatedly? Do you obsess over what happened? Do you just give in? Or do you simply turn off? Does your response to conflict lead to pragmatic solutions that are satisfactory to all? Or does it lead to your reputation being impugned and cast you down the long, winding and emotionally draining road of costly litigation? 

Conflicts arise as a matter of course in the professional lives of dentists and their staff (and sometimes between dentists and their staff, as well as between dentists in their partnerships). Conflict also arises in our personal lives, taking myriad forms: a car accident or other civil complaint; decisions regarding the care of an elderly loved one or the disposition of their estate; a divorce or child custody issue; a dispute between neighbors or with a landlord; and many other situations that may come up.

Your health and wellness — and that of others you encounter — may depend on how you respond to conflict. As trained mediators practicing in a wide range of areas, Shahram “Sean” Shekib, JD, DDS, FAGD, and Martin Applebaum, JD, MA, have developed a deep expertise in conflict resolution.

Read their nine tips for resolving conflict.