8 Tips for Conflict Resolution

Experiencing conflicts and disagreements are unpleasant but common parts of life. You’ll need to practice your conflict resolution skills to make and continue lasting, collaborative relationships in any environment. Conflict resolution utilizes eight key tips to solve any dispute peacefully.

1. Address Conflict ASAP

Address the issue with the other person soon to prevent escalation, resentment, and misunderstanding. Tell the other party the topic you wish to address together and establish a place and time in the near future you can meet in person to have the conversation.

2. Establish Your Goals

Practice your decision-making skills by establishing what you want to address, how you’ll know the problem is solved, and what relationship you want with the other party. Knowing what you want to get out of the conversation ahead of time is key to having a successful talk. It’s also important to accept early on that it may take multiple conversations over time to reach a compromise.

3. Keep Calm and Regulated

Remember that while you have no control over their reaction, you can control how you choose to engage. Keep yourself grounded and present so you can get down to the topic of discussion. You don’t want your emotions to take over your goals for the relationship through a threatening appearance, language, or tone.

4. Lead With Empathy

Practice nonjudgmental active listening and take turns talking to thoroughly express yourselves, see each other’s point of view, and show care. Check out these communication tips for ways to improve your interaction.

5. Include a Third Party

If you need neutrality and help navigating the problem amidst high emotions that intervene in finding a solution, consider inviting a third party to mediate. This should be an appropriate figure that fits your unique circumstance and relationship, such as another family member, therapist, clergy member, financial advisor, or human resources.

6. Focus on the Future

Build rapport and ensure a problem-solving attitude instead of staying in the past and finding fault. You might find you have something in common and can connect in a variety of ways.

7. Apologize for Your Contribution

Very few conflicts are entirely the fault of one party, and apologizing for your part in the conflict will show how you care about the relationship. Again, you have no control over their actions or lack thereof, but you can still be mature and show your character.

8. Find a Compromise

Find a compromise that gets you to a solution everyone can be satisfied with and follow up with each other to ensure it’s working. Companionship of any kind is a key factor in aging well, so make an effort in all your relationships!

And Remember…

People want to be asked and not ordered, treated with dignity and respect, given options and second chances, and have the opportunity to know the “why” of the conversation.

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