Everyone gets angry from time to time. Everyone experiences conflict. But not everyone knows how to resolve conflict in an effective manner. Here are 15 quick tips to help you resolve conflict before it gets out of control.
1.) Be specific about your concern.
2.) Don’t just complain; ask for a change that will improve the situation.
3.) Ask for and give feedback to make sure everyone is heard.
4.) Limit your conversation to only one issue at a time.
5.) Be open to everyone’s feelings.
6.) Be willing to compromise.
7.) Make sure the original requests are clearly understood.
8.) Never assume that you know what the other person is thinking.
9.) Do not tell the other person how he or she should feel.
10.) Avoid labeling and name-calling.
11.) Avoid sarcasm, better known as “fighting dirty.”
12.) Forget the past, but focus on today and the future.
13.) Do not overload the other person with grievances.
14.) Take time to think and feel before you speak.
15.) It’s not about winning/losing; it’s about problem-solving.
With an attitude of mutual respect, one can learn how to pinpoint the real issue, seek areas of agreement, and resolve conflict in a more constructive manner.
