The operating environments of communities are increasingly unpredictable. As a result, an expert’s ability to act in challenging and complex situations also rises in importance. Demands are increasing, and different human communities face an increasing pressure to work together. Organizations are more prone to disruptions due to couplings between people increasing considerably. 

Traditionally, only a handful of members in a work community have had agency, whereas in the future, everyone is bound to have it. In conflict situations, agency requires courage and initiative. However, we rarely bring up difficult topics in practical working life situations. We don’t talk about conflicts, and disagreements tend to become the norm. Facing challenges requires persistence and an optimistic attitude. In a conflict situation, it’s best to talk about problems and try to see them in a positive light. You have to recognise what the problems are about, and if there’s something the different parties have in common in the situation that you could use as a starting point.

It’s important to keep in mind that facing difficult situations together feels harder than the previous status quo, where you kept problems to yourself. However, talking things through has considerable benefits in the long run. It’s also important to understand that you may not be able to solve issues at once, and that you can come back to them. It’s better to view solving difficult topics as a continuous process.