Resolving Conflict: What Does the Giraffe Say?

Giraffes are majestic creatures who have unique spot patterns and really long necks. These qualities give the giraffe the ability to use these gifts to gain a different perspective. How does a giraffe connect to how we handle conflict or uncomfortable situations effectively? Conflict is an unavoidable issue within complex health care systems and among health care teams. “The pressure to improve and track quality, treat more patients, reduce costs, and maintain satisfaction scores creates a push-pull workplace that breeds conflict.”2 According to Gerardi,3 this pressure trickles down within a health care system from administration to the bedside nursing staff, causing stress and frustration, and leading to conflict.