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Motivational and Inspiring Quotation

Version 1, Dec 2009

Disclaimer statement:
1. This is not a copyrighted material. This is a free booklet and is being circulated only for
information purpose.
2. The purpose of this booklet is only to share our thoughts and experiences of using
quotations for creating a positive impact in training.
3. References for all quotations have been given. However the section of When to Use, is a
creation of the Whiteboard team.
4. Under the category When to use we have stated the use of quotations from the
perspective of a training program. However, like wise men say Intelligence cannot be
bucketed, the same way these quotations can be used in a much broader sense.
5. You can use these thoughts in you training programs, handouts, materials, website, and
presentations.

We would be delighted to receive your contribution and feedback. Our email id is given
below.
Whiteboard Consulting Pvt. Ltd.
Somnath Sanganeria

Zia Alam

Director

Director

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Conflict Management
1. Conflict is inevitable, but combat is optional. Max Lucade
When to use Conflicts cannot be avoided as they are a part and parcel of life. However,
our approach to conflict is something we can determine. Most often people have two
reactions to conflict One of flight and the other of fight. The flight option obviously is
intended at avoiding the conflict at all cost. The manner in which we choose to fight the
conflict is of great significance it could be either combative in spirit devoid of
rationality or one of understanding and with a solution based approach. This quotation
can be shared while discussing our approach to dealing with conflict and Styles of
Conflict management. We can use this quotation in Conflict management; Interpersonal
Skills; Assertiveness Skills and Negotiation Skills program.

2. Whenever you're in conflict with someone, there is one factor that can make
the difference between damaging your relationship and deepening it. That
factor is attitude. - William James
When to use In a conflict there is always an opportunity to either strengthen your
relationship or damaging it depending on the way you have dealt with the conflict.
Conflicts usually take two forms, one where the conflict is about decisions, ideas,
directions and actions and the other one where two people simply "don't like each other
". When involved in a conflict situation, it is important to know this difference. Our
Attitude determines whether we make a conflict personal or issue based. We can refer
to this quotation while highlighting the importance of our attitude in resolving a conflict.
This quotation can be shared in a Conflict management; Self-development; Negotiation
skills and Assertiveness Skills program.

3. You can't shake hands with a clenched fist. - Indira Gandhi

When to use Many a times we have a difference of opinion and conflict of interest with
people around us. However, if we maintain a rigid stand and do not have an attitude of
reconciliation, we might end up taking conflicts personally. We can use this quotation to
talk about being balanced in times of conflict and being open to other peoples
perspective. We can use this quotation in programs on Conflict Management;
Interpersonal Skills; Assertiveness Skills.
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4. Don't be afraid of opposition. Remember, a kite rises against; not with; the
wind. Hamilton Wright Mabie
When to use Success in life is not possible without facing any challenges. There is a
general perception that conflicts are bad and need to be avoided; however there are
number of positive outcomes of managing conflicts effectively. This quotation can be
used to highlight how we can use the opposing forces to our advantage, which will help
us scale new heights. We can use this quotation in programs on Conflict Management;
Assertiveness Skills; Managerial Development and Self-Development.

5. Difficulties are meant to rouse, not discourage. The human spirit is to grow
strong by conflict. - William Ellery Channing
When to use In the face of conflict, we may feel discouraged and even think that we
should have somehow avoided getting into such situation. However, if the conflict is
taken in the right spirit, it might help us grow and become stronger. Some of the
strongest conflicts that we face are within ourselves. We usually cannot avoid such
conflicts; nevertheless once we have gone through the grind, we do have a learning that
supports us for life-time. We can use this quotation to talk about our Mindset of dealing
with conflicts positively. This quotation can be shared in programs like Conflict
Management; Self-development; Change Management.

6. There are three ways of dealing with difference: domination, compromise, and
integration. By domination only one side gets what it wants; by compromise
neither side gets what it wants; by integration we find a way by which both
sides may get what they wish. - Mary Parker Follett
When to use Always trying to win might result in an attempt to dominate others and
alienating them in the process. When we compromise there is feeling of not getting what
we actually wished for. However, when we collaborate, both parties can achieve success
while working towards a common goal. This quotation can be used while discussing the
need for Collaboration and Integration in programs on Collaboration; Negotiation;
Conflict management and Leadership.

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7. I believe in getting into hot water. I think it keeps you clean. - Gilbert Keith
Chesterton
When to use It is important to proactively deal with potential conflict situations. This
may save escalations from happening and secure relationships. Also, facing a situation
head on may result in surfacing of problems, clarification of views; and serve as a
release to pent-up emotion, anxiety, and stress. This quotation can be used in a Conflict
Management; Stress Management; Assertiveness Skills and Personal Effectiveness
program when talking about our approach or response in dealing with difficult or
conflict situations.

8. If passion drives you, let reason hold the reins. Benjamin Franklin
When to use While passion is necessary for everyone; it is also important to see the
light of reason when one is driven by emotions. It isn't easy of course; however one has
to always make a conscious effort. The trick is to try to put aside the perceptions about
the other person, and not to dwell on them. Every time we create a perception about the
other person, we make it that more difficult to stay focused on problem- solving, and
rather focus on winning or getting our own way. This quotation can be used to talk about
being emotionally balanced in a state of conflict and using rationale and logic to solve
the issue. We can share this quotation in a Conflict Management; Change Management;
Personal Effectiveness; Stress Management program.

9. Peace is not the absence of conflict but the presence of creative alternatives
for responding to conflict. Dorothy Thompson
When to use It is important to have creative alternatives or mechanisms that help in
managing conflicting views & ideas. Conflicts (whether they are negative or positive) will
arise in organizations whenever interests collide and when these differences affect the
relationship between interdependent people, they must be constructively managed. It is
with such mechanisms that a group of people can thrive and prosper. This quotation can
be used while discussing the methods and alternatives for managing conflicts. We can
share this quotation in a Conflict Management; Managerial Development; Leadership
skills program.

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10.If we cannot end our differences, at least we can make the world safe for
diversity. John F. Kennedy
When to use When we provide reassurance and support to others in times of conflict
we help in reducing stresses and tensions. While we cannot remove difference, however
Being tolerant to differences of opinions and diversity of views we show respect and
understanding to others, and can achieve more. (I have changed the order of above 2
sentences.) With this approach to conflict management, we can share, examine and
assess the reasons for conflict that lead to the development of an alternative that is fully
acceptable to everyone involved. This quotation can be shared to highlight that effective
management of conflict generates diversity of views, new ideas, and innovative
solutions. We can use this quotation in a Cultural Sensitivity; Diversity; Interpersonal
skills; Change Management and Problem Solving programs.

11.Creativity comes from a conflict of ideas. Donatella Versace

When to use Differences in personality, approach to tasks and individual values create
conflict. However, these very reasons are also responsible for new ideas; better way of
doing things; creative solutions. A place that is devoid of any conflicting ideas will not
produce many path-breaking results. This quotation can be used to address the need for
having diverse views in order to create a vibrant and creative environment. We can refer
to this quotation in Creativity; Change Management; Conflict Management programs.

12.The aim of argument, or of discussion, should not be victory, but progress.

Joseph Joubert
When to use A positive attitude forms the basis of managing a conflict effectively. An
attitude that reflects that talking through the conflict will help us find creative ways to
solve our problems where everyone is satisfied in the end. Ultimately, if a conflict is
addressed in the larger interest of everyone, it will be in the direction of progress. This
quotation can be used to highlight the point that why conflicts are not managed properly
if the only objective is to Win. We can refer to this quotation in a Conflict Management;
Interpersonal Skills; Negotiation Skills and Problem Solving programs.

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13.There are three principles in a man's being and life, the principle of thought,
the principle of speech, and the principle of action. The origin of all conflict
between me and my fellow-men is that I do not say what I mean and I don't do
what I say. Martin Buber
When to use Trust is an important factor that is the key for resolving any conflict.
When people do not stick to their words and do not honor their commitments it leads to
erosion in faith. The 3 principles of thought, speech and action if followed genuinely can
help us reduce the number of conflicts in our lives. This quotation can be used while
talking how we can manage and reduce the frequency of conflicts. We can refer to this
quotation in Conflict Management; Self Management; Interpersonal Skills; Assertiveness
Skills program

14.You may be right or you may be wrong, but in either case you have gained the
first condition of success. You have attracted attention. Your initiative might
sometimes put you into conflict with your superiors, but that is a risk worth
taking. Andrew Carnegie
When to use Sometimes people are wary of sharing their thoughts and opinions on
important occasions where seniors are present. They apprehend that this might go
against their interest. On the contrary one way of proving ones potential is to articulate
what one feels about something. This is a risk that is worth taking. This quotation can be
used while highlighting the point on articulation of thoughts and Speaking Up. We can
share this quotation in a Communication Skills; Assertiveness Skills; Managerial
Development; Personality Development programs.

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