Conflict Resolution Strategies To Diffuse A Tense Situation

by Inspiration4Living.com

We all have to deal with conflict, whether it’s at home, at school or in the workplace.

How we deal with it is very important, and how we use our conflict resolution strategies can have a lasting effect on our relationship with the person who is perceived to be the source of the conflict.

If the conflict arises suddenly, you should take a step back and give yourself time to cool off. Go to an area where you can be alone and count to ten, take deep breaths and consider your strategy for resolving the conflict. Try not to focus on the person who you feel is bringing the conflict to a head; instead, try to focus on the problem together with that person, or as a team if there are several people involved, to resolve the conflict.

If your dissatisfaction with a situation has been building up over time, you should have your conflict resolution strategies in place and know how to act. The longer you put up with the status quo, the worse it will become and may even impact your health as your resentment grows.

You will need to listen to the opinions of other people; they may have valid arguments that don’t necessarily mesh with your ideas. Be open to what they’re saying and try to keep a positive outlook while working towards a solution that will be agreeable to all parties involved. Try to state your point of view in a positive manner without criticizing, and listen to what the other person is saying. Many times, we hear what we want to hear, not what is actually being said. Make sure you state your opinion by saying, “I feel that you…” or “I think that you…” instead of listing the shortcomings of that person and escalating the conflict.

Let the other person know exactly what it is that you would like. This sounds simple enough, but how many of us allow an argument to go on and on without ever stating our needs? Use your conflict resolution strategies to clarify your position without being hostile. Hostility will put the other person on the defensive and escalate an already tense situation. Try to find the middle ground – a solution that everyone is reasonably happy with. Don’t make demands; sometimes, you have to give a little to get a little.

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