The key to handling conflict is to deal with it head-on. It's natural to want to avoid difficult conversations, but doing so only prolongs the agony and creates resentment. Here are four things you must do to prepare for a productive conversation:  1. Get your motives right. Under stress, our motives become short-term and selfish. Focus on the bigger picture and what's best for everyone involved. 2. Get your emotions right. Unhelpful emotions can hinder a productive conversat