Conflicts are unavoidable in that we communicate with different people about all areas of life. Conflict arises when personal views and interests clash in emotional situations. Interpersonal disputes cause stress, frustration and prevent us from achieving our goals, which is why everyone should know how to resolve them fast and with minimum losses. Conflict management techniques allow us not only to effectively resolve conflicts but also enhance our communication skills and wisdom.
Method 1. Face the problem
Sometimes we lack the courage to acknowledge that we are involved in a conflict. People tend to escape challenges and negative emotions. Nevertheless, we must step out of our comfort zone and take risks if we want to succeed. An open discussion is the best way to resolve the conflict. After you frankly admit that there is a problem, you can address it and work out a collaborative solution with the other person.
Method 2. Listen to understand and clarify
It is impossible to resolve the dispute if you don’t understand another party’s point of view. It requires empathy and non-judgmental vision to see the other’s perspective even if you think that they are wrong. Use active listening techniques: pay attention to the body language of others; ask questions to clarify the words; paraphrase and summarize to make sure that you understand the complete message.
Method 3. Judge the problem, not the person
In order to get detachment from strong emotions during the conflict, concentrate on the specific problem and reframe it using “we” language. In order to find a solution, you need to collaborate with the other, so invite them to become your partner instead of an adversary. Two heads are better than one when you need to address the problem.
Method 4. Use I-statements
The I-statement technique is one of the best conflict resolution methods. It is used to open a positive resolution conversation and define your vision of the issue. I-statements allow you to explain your feelings and expectations regarding the problem without making the other person defensive. For example, instead of “You didn’t finish your work on time!”, it’s better to say “You know, I cannot finish my report until I get your data”.
Method 5. Always look for a compromise
A goal of most conflict handling techniques, such as negotiating, is to find compromise. Compromise is a mutually beneficial agreement, although it does not mean that you will be 100% satisfied. To achieve compromise, you need to modify your needs and goals according to the situation. Compromising takes time and effort, but it is vital for successful conflict resolution. There are many other conflict resolution techniques that we discuss in our Academy. What’s more important is that they can be implemented even with a limited output of time, energy and resources.