Fear of change and the unexpected as a source of conflict.

Human aversion to surprise and the unknown

One of the main causes of conflict is the fear of change and the unexpected.

Most people inherently prefer stability and certainty, even when the current situation is not ideal.

The human brain is designed to constantly scan the environment, seeking security and the ability to predict what will happen.

When a change occurs abruptly, without warning, it generates a sense of loss of control and uncertainty, triggering a stress or panic response.

An example of this is when a person is notified that they must move out of their apartment on very short notice; the situation, although manageable, causes stress and anxiety because the individual is faced with the unknown.

On the other hand, the comfort zone, while it may seem safe, can actually stagnate you and make you unhappy in the long run.

Transparent communication as a management tool

The key to managing change and defusing the conflict it generates is early and transparent communication.

If a change is communicated in advance, providing time for people to adapt and plan, the situation becomes much easier to manage.

In the example of the eviction, if the notice comes months in advance, the person can seek solutions without panicking.

Transparency not only reduces stress, but also fosters an environment of trust.

You should not withhold information for fear of others' reactions, as their input may be valuable and offer solutions you had not considered.

Communicating change openly and honestly demonstrates respect for the autonomy of the other person and gives them the opportunity to participate in the adaptation process, which is essential for personal and professional growth.