SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/cadet-displaced-conflict

Two people argue about grades when the real issue is something else. What type of conflict is this?

Displaced conflict: arguing about the wrong thing.

Start playing free

  1. Displaced conflict ✔
  2. Parallel conflict
  3. False conflict

Why: In a displaced conflict, there is a real disagreement underneath, but people argue about a different, surface issue. The true problem never gets solved.

Huh, didn't know that: In a parallel conflict, by contrast, both sides clearly understand what they disagree about.

The dad joke
Why did the GPS get into an argument? It was fighting over the wrong directions.
Like this card?
Play the game

References

Answer: Displaced conflict. In a displaced conflict, there is a real disagreement underneath, but people argue about a different, surface issue. The true problem never gets solved.

  1. Learn to Lead, Volume 3: Indirect Leadership, chapter 9 (Civil Air Patrol) www.gocivilairpatrol.com/media/cms/L2LVolume_3__LOW_FINAL_4_MAY_13CC68236BDFE.pdf
    in a displaced conflict, people argue about the wrong thing.
    Checked 2026-10-10.

Think this answer is wrong? Tap "Challenge this answer" on the card in the game and tell us why.

Test yourself in the game

Leadership & CadetsA rumor makes two friends mad at each other when a third person started it. What type of conflict?Leadership & CadetsYou're annoyed by a problem but avoid bringing it up for weeks. What type of conflict is that?Leadership & CadetsWhat turns a difference of opinion into conflict?

That's stuff everyone should know.