5 Tips for Better Conflict Resolution

Learning to manage conflict can be one of the most important things that you ever do.

Good conflict management opens the door to better communication, better relationships and a whole lot less drama – something we could all do without!

There are many things you can do to curb your anger and frustration when engaged in a conflict situation (even when the other party is doing their best to push your buttons), including breathing techniques, grounding exercises and a more “in-tune” style of communication. It is this “in-tune” style of communication we will look at more closely.

1. When in the heat of conflict, your most invaluable phrase is, “I understand”.

Letting the other person know that you see the conflict from their point of view is imperative if you wish to find common ground and peacefully resolve the dispute.

2. Listen to what the other person is saying to you. Just listen.

Don’t half listen while you formulate your response. Don’t create a mental checklist of why what the other person is saying is false. Don’t get emotional or upset by what the other person is saying. Just listen.

It’s one thing to say, “I understand”, it’s quite another to truly mean it.

3. Try using the exact same words as the other person during particularly difficult conflicts.

This technique can help keep the conversation focussed on the important issues when tempers flare and emotions are running high.

4. Make a conscious decision to speak professionally whenever you are engaged in a conflict situation.

Make it a personal challenge to keep your cool under all circumstances, then reward yourself for sticking to your guns. See your self-control as a muscle not unlike your biceps or brain – the more you use it, the stronger it becomes.

5. Think (and speak) like a mediator.

Try to see the conflict from both sides, and then respond in this way.

When you can see both sides of the conflict you will be in a better position to help the other party see this too. Conflicts are usually solved somewhere down the middle – this is where your ability to help the other person see the common ground will come in most useful.

Upcoming Conflict Management Workshops:

Cape Town: Conflict Prevention and Resolution (2-days) 9 & 10 February

Johannesburg: Conflict and Diversity (2-days) 11 & 12 February

Staff Training is a soft skills training provider. Contact us for more info.