Joy of Conflict seminar at Durham College in Oshawa

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Published September 28, 2022 at 10:36 am

A noted speaker, author, coach and conflict resolution expert believes there are “hidden gifts” in every conflict and understanding what they are helps us grow and even win.

Rekha Lakra, who will be lecturing on the ‘Joy of Conflict’ Thursday afternoon at Durham College, says the key is separating the person from the problem or “tender on the person, tough on the problem.”

Lakra’s journey started with a love of reading and discovering the most engaging central themes of the stories she loved reading were the conflicts the stories’ protagonists needed to overcome. Through education (and more reading), she came to an understanding of human conflict and the important role it plays in our ability to problem-solve, evolve, and succeed as a species.

All of this knowledge was brought into further focus when Lakra found herself working with a client, the CEO of a large enterprise, who would not consider something a win unless a direct competitor lost, a theme almost commonplace in a sector where workplace conflict costs companies an estimated $359 billion per year in the USA alone, and 65 per cent of high potential start-ups fail each year because of conflict between co-founders.

This wasted potential is what has driven Lakra to pursue her current focus; shifting people’s mindsets (and accompanying responses) when they find themselves in conflict situations, thus empowering them to see the opportunity that each conflict presents.

The 90-minute seminar will be held at 4 p.m. in Room CFCE 145, Global Classroom, First Floor, Durham College Centre for Collaborative Education.

The Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce event is free to students and $25 for non-students.

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