Although conflict is something that is unavoidable in our lives, conflict is quite full of opportunities. Still, conflict resolution is stressful and often frustrating without the right conflict resolution tips. If you want to commit yourself to conflict resolution, consider the conflict resolution tips below, which are designed to make sure that the process of conflict resolution is not only positive, but also completely equitable and fair as well.
Be Respectful
You need to strive to keep your interactions respectful towards the other parties in the conflict; even if you are feeling particularly stressed out, frustrated or hurt. You are going to want to avoid saying put downs, calling names, interrupting the other parties and so on, because these things can escalate a conflict and you want to prevent that from happening.
Control your Emotions
You need to be able to maintain control of your emotions, even when you are feeling particularly angry. Yelling and intimidating actions will benefit no one, so work on venting or redirecting your emotions elsewhere to avoid these harmful actions. This will help to create an environment that is safe for difference resolution, and is one of the best conflict resolution tips that you can follow.
Use a Structured Process for Hot Topic Interactions
If you have to have an interaction based on a hot topic, it would be wise to follow a structured process. Avoid creating spontaneous discussions on these issues if you want to prevent blowups that were unintended. If you make use of a process that is formalized, mediated or planned, you will be better able to focus the communication, balancing the way that you communicate about more delicate issues at hand.
Understand Willingly
If other people involved in the process feel like you are acknowledging them and understanding them, then they will be much more likely to collaborate with you and work with you during the conflict resolution process. This will require that you focus on what is being communicated, empathizing with others rather than simply waiting for your chance to respond to them.
Communicate Openly and Honestly
If you hold back on the things that are actually concerning you, then the conflict resolution process will only be complicated or delayed. One of the biggest conflict resolution tips that you can keep in mind is to communicate honestly as well as openly at all times during the conflict resolution process.
Be as Objective as You Can
Make a point to avoid assumptions, speculation and rumors by being as objective as you possibly can. You should aim to rely on your own personal experiences and observations or on what can be verified independently through documentation, evidence or credible witnesses.
Be Constructive when Expressing Concern
Each of the parties involved in the conflict resolution will want to describe which of their needs are or are not being met. These concerns will be best received when they are constructive rather than being spoken in the form of demands for change or undue accusations.
Put Your Focus on the Future
Rather than focusing on the past blame, you should aim your attention toward the future by emphasizing changes that can be made rather than worrying about who was at fault for conflicts of the past. This will increase the chance of changing in positive ways, and therefore is one of the best conflict resolution tips that you can implement.
Meet All Needs
In searching for solutions, you should aim to meet the needs of everyone. Look for shared interests and try to find common ground in order to resolve any conflicts that are causing issues.
You can learn additional conflict resolution methods here.