Ways To Develop Conflict Resolution Skills

Conflicts are an inevitable part of human relationships. Conflicts can help maintain a level of motivation and freshness but if they escalate and cause a fight, then it can become a major problem. As a leader or even a team member, conflict resolution skills are crucial when you are working with a group of people with different ideologies and backgrounds. Here are some ways in which you can develop your conflict resolution skills.

• • 1.Stay calm

One of the most important rules while resolving conflicts is to stay calm and not lose your chill. Getting angry or frustrated won’t solve any problems. In fact, it might add fuel to the already burning fire. So, avoid letting your emotions get the best of you and maintain your cool. If you feel like you might lash out any second then try controlled breathing or counting numbers.

• • • 2.Communicate

The root cause of most problems is misunderstanding and miscommunication. So, bridge that gap by talking about what’s bothering you instead of building it up. Communicate in a calm, civilized manner without directly accusing anyone. Simply talking about your feelings can solve so many problems in a fraction of a second. And if you are a mediator then good communication skills can help understand the problems of both parties involved.

• • • 3.Listen carefully

Listen carefully to whatever everyone is saying to understand different perspectives. Just like communicating is important, it is also crucial that you listen when others talk. To address the matter, you have to consider each and every aspect which might not be possible if you interject or talk over others.

• • • 4.Break down and list issues

A mountain of problems will probably intimidate you but what if you break them down and try to solve one part at once? There are multiple reasons behind a conflict breaking out. Try to identify these individual reasons and focus on resolving one at a time. Make a mental note or write down points of conflict, so you can address them accordingly.

• • • 5.Focus on the future but also consider the past

The main aim of conflict resolution is to ensure that this problem does not occur in the future. But you also need to consider the past and what led up to the current events. Sometimes, small pent up matters can lead up to a dispute blowing up. So, focus on the future of the relationship but also make sure you sort out past differences once and for all.

• • • 6.Maintain a positive attitude

A positive attitude can benefit you as well as the parties involved. Negativity can further complicate problems whereas having a positive outlook can make a mountain look like a molehill. So, do not stress out or get anxious. Remember, positivity and stress both are contagious. It all depends on which path you decide to take.

• • • 7.Avoid neglecting or postponing

Do not procrastinate like you usually do with other tasks. Conflicts need to be taken action upon immediately. Or else it might escalate and get out of hand. Postponing will only add up to your burden. Instead, start tackling conflicts as soon as you can!

• • • 8.Focus on resolving the problem than ‘being right’ or ‘winning’

The correct motivation for conflict resolution is the solve problems and not prove who is right or wrong. Often issues are too complicated and it might not be anyone’s fault or everyone’s fault. Conflict resolution is about addressing all the members involved and come up with an objective solution which suits everyone. Not every argument needs to be won. If you want to build your relationship with other people, you need to let go off your ego.
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