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Use your super power to transform conflict.
When you envision a super power, what comes to mind first? My wonderful niece, who loves science fiction and fantasy just as much as I do, pointed out to me that the superpowers featured in movies and comics are frequently about making you a better fighter. But, she continued, that subset is extremely limited compared to the full range of super powers we could imagine. Since my work is all about peaceful conflict transformation, I was intrigued and curious to hear more. She introduced me to an impressive, lengthy epic story, self-published as a web serial, called Worm by John C. “Wildbow” McCrae and the fanfic that readers have created around it.
Worm Superpower Wisdom
When I went looking in the Worm fanfic world, and on a Google list of the 100 Coolest Super Powers, I found a whole slew of imaginative super powers for good that various characters could have, including: being a magical motivational coach; being able to prevent violent crime by touching people who are contemplating awful acts; the ability to create walkable, clean cities from seeds; the ability to interrupt addiction, so an addicted person puts down the beer, drug, etc.; always being able to pick the best option from the choices available; being able to design any engineering project around a concept without knowing the details (because of an alien in your brain); being able to clean up toxic waste and transform it into useful materials; making viruses that fight diseases that currently have no cure; manipulating the biome to eliminate malaria, being able to insure food production; being a super dog trainer to help the disabled; always being perceived as an ally rather than a threat, to name just a few.
Conflict Transformation Superpowers?
All these positive superpowers inspire me to ask—What conflict transformation superpowers would I like to see for all my clients and myself and the world?
Here are my top choices:
The ability to see everyone as a potential ally instead of an enemy; the ability to be seen as an ally by others; instantly being able to reframe a negative comment into a helpful one; being able to always listen deeply and understand what a person really means; the ability to compassionately see a person’s backstory, including the difficult experiences in their life; the ability to always communicate your thoughts, feelings, and ideas clearly and gently, soul to soul; the ability to state problems and collaborate to find creative solutions that meet everyone’s needs; the ability to love and forgive everyone, including yourself; the ability to fill a room and everyone in it with peace.
What superpower would help you to navigate conflict better? How would this ability impact the progress and outcome be of a conflict you have? And, is there a way, even without a superpower, that you can act more like a conflict transformation superhero? I believe we can all take small steps in that direction!
Lorraine Segal has helped over 2000 leaders and others in organizations and corporations communicate more clearly, transform conflicts, and let go of resentments. The goal: to create a more harmonious and productive workplace. Through her business, Conflict Remedy, Lorraine creates customized training and coaching programs for non-profit organizations, corporations, and government agencies and Sonoma State University. She was recently named one of the top 15 coaches in Santa Rosa by Influence Digest. She is a contributing author to the book, Stand Up, Speak Out Against Workplace Bullying. Her latest project, a memoir called: Angels and Earthworms, an unexpected journey to love, joy, and miracles, is about her transformation from miserable self-doubt to self-acceptance, true love, spiritual awareness, and right livelihood. Find out more about the memoir here. Contact Lorraine through ConflictRemedy to request a free consultation for you and your organization or to sign up for her conflict remedy newsletter and blog.
Related Blog Post:
When Peace Is Lost to Conflict
Is Conflict Transformation a Hero’s Journey?
© Lorraine Segal ConflictRemedy 2024
