14 Effective Conflict Resolution Techniques When we have a difference of opinion with somebody, we often try to correct them, to convince them that our point of view is ‘correct’ and theirs is ‘not.’ After all, we would never hold a point of view we thought is wrong. Yet, we all know from experience how difficult it is to get others to admit to being wrong. It is usually not only futile; it often leads to real conflict. Thankfully, there are a number of effective conflict resolution strategies - so consider giving them a try! NUMBER 1 - DON’T GET DEFENSIVE CONFLICT In any conflict, we all feel the urge to rush to our defense by constantly trying to correct the other person. RESOLUTION Try to understand their point of view and see things their way. Use phrases such as I understand, signal that you understand their opinion even if you don’t agree. NUMBER 2 - AVOID THE BLAME GAME CONFLICT When you feel under attack and go on the offensive, question someone character can make things worse RESOLUTION Avoid the blame game! Establish an atmosphere of respect where everyone can safely express themselves. NUMBER 3 - LISTEN ACTIVELY CONFLICT Conflicts may occur if you don’t listen or listen to formulate counter argument or to catch flaws. RESOLUTION Active listening focuses on both facts and feelings, reduces tension and defensiveness, and allows conflicts to be resolved more effectively. NUMBER 4 - BEGIN STATEMENTS WITH "I” CONFLICT Statements beginning with YOU create an attacking and criticizing atmosphere. It provokes defensiveness and hostility that escalate conflicts. RESOLUTION Using I message helps you state your concern and creates more opportunities for constructive dialogues. NUMBER 5 - TAME YOUR EMOTIONS CONFLICT Speaking in anger or frustration can shut down your rational thinking and hence is a bad way for resolving conflicts RESOLUTION Control your emotions! When you are calm and rational, you can make your own points better and you are open to different perspectives NUMBER 6 - SHOW THAT YOU CAN COMPROMISE CONFLICT RESOLUTION Being assertive in an argument, even if you are right, doesn’t bring you on solution and create a disturbing environment. Compromising is a valuable tool that establishes a middle ground where you give up something to get something in and balances multiple concerns. NUMBER 7 - DON'T BADMOUTH SOMEONE TO OTHERS CONFLICT Do not spread details of conflicts you’re having with someone. This may encourage the other person badmouthing you. RESOLUTION Try to speak to the person in a positive way and refuse to gossip with him. Build a relationship of trust and respect. NUMBER 8 - DON'T TAKE IT PERSONALLY CONFLICT The criticism may make you feel uncomfortable if it is not given in an appropriate way. RESOLUTION Handle criticism in a positive and productive way and don’t take things personally. . NUMBER 3 - LISTEN ACTIVELY CONFLICT Conflicts may occur if you don’t listen or listen to formulate counter argument or to catch flaws. RESOLUTION Active listening focuses on both facts and feelings, reduces tension and defensiveness, and allows conflicts to be resolved more effectively. NUMBER 9 - PAY CLOSE ATTENTION TO NONVERBAL CONFLICT You may encounter emotional pressure when people avoid conflict by giving wordless signals like saying I’m OK while they are sighing or averting their eyes. RESOLUTION Learn to pay attention to all the non-verbal cues to understand what they actually say. By understanding these non-verbal communications, you can express what you really mean, connect better with others, and build stronger, more rewarding relationships. NUMBER 10 - PRIORITIZE RESOLVING THE CONFLICT OVER BEING RIGHT CONFLICT RESOLUTION NUMBER 11 - KNOW WHEN TO APOLOGIZE AND FORGIVE CONFLICT RESOLUTION If someone has hurt you in some way but don’t admit to the wrong, this may create emotional imbalance within you. Arguing will make the matter worse. Sometimes, putting aside your resentments and forgive others is the only way to maintain a relationship even if you were right! NUMBER 12 - FOCUS ON THE PRESENT, NOT THE PAST CONFLICT In a conflict with someone, people tend to get personal and recall the past conflicts and get resentful RESOLUTION Don’t use past conflict as a weapon when you are engaged in a new conflict. It will become harder to come to a resolution if you keep digging someone’s past. NUMBER 13 - USE HUMOR WHEN APPROPRIAT CONFLICT You should avoid humor that could offend your counterpart or makes fun of his or her position - or anything else that might be sensitive to them RESOLUTION Use humor only as a way to break the tension and focus at least temporarily - on something other than the subject of conflict. A well-timed humorous remark will make all parties more receptive to a practical resolution and calms the emotions. NUMBER 14 - REMEMBER THE IMPORTANCE OF THE RELATIONSHIP CONFLICT Insisting on your point of view leads to losing a friend or worsening any relationship. RESOLUTION Conflicts tend to fade and people usually stick around! Prioritize relationships over conflicts.. Maintaining good relationships will better enable you to resolve future conflicts!
