“Ask for help. Not because you are weak. But because you want to remain strong.”
— Les Brown, politician and motivational speaker
Many conflicts can be prevented when people:
Communicate early
Ask clarifying questions
Address small concerns before they grow
Stay aware of stress, pressure, and emotional changes
Recognizing early warning signs allows you to respond before conflict becomes more difficult to manage.
A person explaining an idea.
Rising emotions (anger, frustration, defensiveness)
Repeated misunderstandings
Avoidance or silence
Power imbalances becoming more noticeable
Safety, quality, or fairness concerns being ignored
When these signs appear, it may be time to pause and reconsider how the situation is being handled.
A person looking angry or frustrated.
Conflict resolution does not mean handling everything on your own. It is appropriate—and professional—to seek help when:
Safety is at risk
Power or authority is involved
The conflict continues despite efforts to resolve it
You feel uncomfortable, overwhelmed, or unsure
Policies or rules may be affected
Keep in mind that as a high school student, you are not expected to solve every conflict independently. Reach out for help when you feel it is needed.
Two people talking over a desk.
Click on the article on the right and read what Cinnie Noble, author, certified coach (PCC)/mediator, and former lawyer has to say about how to ask for help when you are experiencing interpersonal conflict.
Consider writing down the reflection questions she lists to review the next time you find yourself in a conflict. Can you think of any other important questions to ask yourself to prepare yourself to reach out for help?
Why is asking for help an important part of managing conflict?
Things to consider:
Why might someone hesitate to ask for help during conflict?
How can asking for help prevent bigger problems?
What situations should never be handled alone?
Record your answer in your Student Workbook.