Conflicts are bound to happen, whether at home, at work, or in between. Unfortunately, what can start as something trivial can quickly escalate to something much more serious in a matter of minutes.
That’s why it pays to know how to effectively resolve any conflict you find yourself in. This way, you can create some healthy boundaries and balance your emotions without creating unnecessary stress and anxiety.
Here are five tips for more effective conflict resolution that will help you out of any jam. Take a look.
Tip #1: Find the Source of the Conflict
The first step in conflict resolution is to identify the source of the problem. Once you identify the issue, you can start taking the right measures toward fixing it. On the other hand, if you carry on without knowing exactly why you’re feeling the way you do, you’ll be angry and all worked up without really knowing why. So, while it may seem like a waste of time at first, if you think about it, you can’t solve any problem unless you first find the source of the problem.
Here’s another way of looking at it: When you identify the root cause of the issue, everyone involved can help strive towards not repeating the same thing in the future.
Tip #2: Find a Quiet and Safe Place to Talk
Once you understand the underlying causes of the conflict, it’s time to bring in the other person if you haven’t already. The thing about conflict is that you have to nip it in the bud and address it in a timely manner, so it doesn’t manifest into something bigger over time.
Remember that there’s nothing wrong with having a difference of opinion every now and then. Yet, it’s how you communicate that makes all the difference in the world!
However, we’ve all been in similar situations and it can be daunting to try and engage in this type of discourse. Yet, you have to muster up the courage and just start because the sooner you deal with it, the better the outcome will be.
Tip #3: Actively Listen
Active listening plays a big role in determining the way your conflict resolution proceeds. So, you have to be patient when it’s the other person’s turn to speak. Write down any rebuttals that pop into your head to avoid interrupting them. Show that you respect the other person’s emotions and point of view. This way, they’ll make it a point to try and do the same when it’s your turn to speak.
Tip #4: Point Out Ways to Solve the Problem
After each person has had their chance to talk and listen, the next step is to try and find some sort of middle ground that both parties can agree on. You’ll probably need a pen and paper or a board to write down your ideas. Then start brainstorming.
Write out all the ideas that come, even the crazy ones. Those are usually the ones that lead to an effective end to the problem.
Although, there’s one critical thing to always remember when working to resolve any conflict, and that’s to only focus on the issue at hand and not the person.
This will help make the other person feel safe enough to start finding ways to solve the issue, rather than always be on the defensive or feel like they’re constantly being judged.
Tip #5: Agree on the Best Solution
Finding common ground can be easier said than done. It requires each party to own up to their part of the conflict.
Not only that, but it also means they have to put in the effort of looking for a suitable compromise. Plus, they have to take the necessary steps to resolve it and make sure it doesn’t happen again.
That can only take place once all parties have set clear expectations while respecting the other person’s differences. Also, it’s helpful to think of conflict as an opportunity to grow. When it’s managed properly, it can bring great insight and help you become more attuned to your needs and the needs of those around you.
The good news is that after opening up communication lines, taking the time to listen, and collaborating on solutions, it’s all downhill from there. It becomes easier to establish neutral ground where everyone feels comfortable speaking and sharing ideas.
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