3 situations when you need to intervene in a conflict with strangers

When we unknowingly take part in other people’s fights, we tell ourselves, “This is none of my business.” In fact, popular wisdom says: “Two are in a fight, the third is[лишний]” In the original, the expression sounds ruder, but its meaning is still the same. But sometimes our conscience tells us that it is worth intervening. We have learned in which conflicts it is advisable to act peacefully.

We would like to point out in advance that any intervention is voluntary. It is important to evaluate your own strengths and results. If nothing can be done, it is better to call the police. No one will heal if you suffer too, so it’s important to take care of yourself. But if you have logically assessed your strengths and realized that you can resolve the conflict, then take action, but do not forget about the safety rules. By the way, in the USA contacting law enforcement is not considered “snitching” at all, but on the contrary is welcomed. It is believed that this way you do not spoil your relations with your neighbors, and they do not sharpen their grudges against you. In the end, everyone wins.

Abuse of children and animals

You pass by the playground and come across a wild sight: Schoolchildren beating their peers. You don’t need to get closer. Take a photo or video of it and then search for the culprits. Details are unnecessary. The important thing is that your voice is loud and confident. You shouldn’t talk to everyone at the same time. Contact the leader. Speak seriously and take short pauses to get the message through to the person. Tell the victim to leave him alone. If the guys do not disperse, you can resort to irony: “Come on, show how strong you are! Heroes. All for one. Admit it, do you like yourself? Yes? Young Rambos, no less! Your mothers would probably be proud of you. What a beautiful and pure speech now resembled spring water! It is immediately obvious: the color of the nation.”

When bullies realize they don’t look cool, their enthusiasm will wane. It is possible that they will begin to explain. You can then approach and resolve the conflict calmly. If you cannot calm their enthusiasm, then you can use a trick and talk about the cameras. “We found a good place for a showdown! There was an alcoholic fight here yesterday, the police sent everyone to the monkey bar. I think you’ll make the perfect companion for them.” And finally, we can tell you that the video of the fight you sent right now will be all over the internet. Then you should just wave with a smile and walk away.

In general, it is beneficial to intervene in cases where children, women, retirees or disabled people are victims of beating. The important thing is that it is done correctly. You also need to look at the competence of the person instigating the conflict. If it’s obvious that this is a psychopath, secretly record it on your phone and send it to the police. Don’t regret this time. In any case, the criminal will be punished and sent to a reformatory, and you will be more comfortable walking down the street.

Conflicts in the team

If you are a boss and your subordinates regularly get things done at work, then you should take decisive action. If a fruit in the basket is rotten, it must be removed to prevent the rest from spoiling. Also in a team. An unhealthy environment has a negative impact on other employees. If you don’t intervene, they will stop seeing you as an authority. To preserve your own reputation, the conflict must be nipped in the bud. To begin with, you should call both of them to your personal account for a conversation to get to the bottom of the dispute. Maybe it’s the job itself. For example, co-workers cannot agree on a task schedule. If the problem is solved, everything will be fine. However, the cause of quarrels is personal hostility.

Here it is worth asking the question blankly: convey to them the idea that their behavior interferes with other employees, so that if they complain, they will both face a fine. It must be emphasized that it is in their interest to stop the mouse fuss. It is then recommended to divide the workers into different departments. If this is not possible (for example, their jobs are closely related), one should act like a parent separating two disobedient children: if one makes a mistake, both are responsible. Add that it is in their best interest to help each other.

By the way, in cases of bullying, it is also important to show that you disagree with someone being ignored or humiliated. Defend one person so others understand who has the power. Often people participate in bullying against their will to prevent the authorized instigator from attacking them. It is important to break the arrogance of the attacker and show that such an attitude is unacceptable. Then the rest will gradually follow you. Get the idea across: Results and discipline are important in the workplace. Take time to understand the details of the situation. Perhaps the aggressor or victim should take lessons from a psychologist to correct their behavior.

If the situation is indirectly related to you

Sometimes a verbal argument or fight between strangers can hurt you, so you should intervene here too. For example, if there was a traffic conflict on the road that delayed you. It is important to solve it calmly here. First, count to 10 to yourself and clearly formulate what you want to say. It is important that the message is in imperative form. “Stop swearing! You’re disturbing others. If you don’t solve this problem now, I’ll call the police.”

Conflicts may also occur in the hospital. If you hear that the patient is dissatisfied and the doctor speaks rather strangely, making you doubt his competence, you can carefully ask the question, turning to the victim. In fact, it is not possible to emerge victorious from all conflicts, so act in your own interests as much as possible. After all, fights, accidents and fires in transportation are events that indirectly cause discomfort to you and those around you. This is where it is appropriate to take initiative.