Page 74 - my SUCCESS! my CHOICE

Deepak Gupta my SUCCESS! my CHOICE
- 73 -

But as you rightly point out, conflict can also be within -- the internal conflict. Dilemma is the

mildest form of internal conflict. War the severest form of external conflict.”

“Ron, while you call dilemma the mildest form, it can be the most exhausting one as we

cannot get away; it is within.” Dan again interrupted.

Ron nodded his approval with his trademark pleasing smile, “Yes, internal conflict is

difficult to manage and very destructive if not managed well; it can lead us to shrinks! Let us

address it first.”

“Almost all management books focus on external conflict.” He paused, “while internal

conflict is mostly incarcerated in psychology books. We will cover it first because it can

consume us and apart from all the psychological ramifications, it often interferes with our

ability to make the right decisions. When before the event, it can cause analysis paralysis; and

remorse and decision-fright in hindsight!” Ron paused again for Dan to absorb the thought.

After a brief pause Ron asked, “What do you think causes internal conflict Dan?”

Dan thought for a while. “Indecision, I would think.” “It happens to me whenever I have

too many options.”

Ron smiled again, “It is close Dan. Options are not the real problem though; we can sift

through them and choose what we consider to be the best; may take time but gets done

eventually.”

“Internal conflict begins when we fret over our decision or our response to a situation.”