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!