Conflict: Steps to Resolution (Part 2 of 4)

Although strategies for intervening in conflict can be varied and creative, successful intervention strategies do have certain themes in common. Above all, everyone involved must be treated with respect.

When it's clear that a conflict exists and you are the one who must do something about it, do this.

See Also:
Conflict: The Critical Questions (Part 3 of 4) - When you've taken on the task of helping others resolve conflict, your most important job is to know what questions must be answered to help clarify the situation. The more of these 26 questions you can answer, the more successful you will be.

First understand that the process of conflict intervention can take almost any length of time, from a few minutes to several years. Steps in the process include: � helping the participants identify their own needs, interests and values; � discover their mutual and complementary needs; � clarify areas of disagreement and search further for the bases of those disagreements; � invent options for mutual gain; communicate effectively about those options; � reach clear and complete agreements based on objective criteria. Although strategies for intervening in conflict can be varied and creative, successful intervention strategies do have certain themes in common. The single most important guideline is to insist that all parties to the conflict be treated with respect.

See Also:
Theory Based Communication for Leaders - Failure to Communicate - You are the leader the next door and you have to give a speech, make a presentation, write an advertisement, or simply carry on a conversations in a social networking opportunity. How do you insure that you do not fail to communicate?

Each participant has needs, issues and values which are, from his or her perspective, valid and important. If these are threatened by disrespect, the individual is likely to become frightened, show anger, escalate unreasonable demands and try to win at someone else's expense.

Individuals and groups of individuals are all attempting to achieve results they believe will cause them to survive, be satisfied or happy, or reach a goal they value. They also have differing needs, wants, ideas, opinions, values, goals and methods of operation.

See Also:
Streamline Your Communication in the Modern Day - Communication is a basic tool of success in modern days. Interpersonal communication efficacy is considered as a skill since the bond of relationships relies on the power of it.

Conflict arises when the goal-directed behavior of one person or group interferes with the goal-directed behavior of another.

Few individuals engaged in conflict actually intend to be destructive. Each intends some positive outcome (from his or her own perspective), and the damage done to someone else's territory is either accidental or seen as necessary to achieve a greater good.

When you are helping to resolve a conflict, it is important to keep in mind that conflict arises from attempts to attain positive results. Often the antagonists are even in agreement on the desired results and disagree only on the means for attaining them.

See Also:
Ten Things Leaders Need to Know About Audience Analysis - It is easy to assume you know the audience - the ones for whom you are writing or to whom you are speaking. You do, but sometimes you need to do an analysis to avoid overlooking important details. It will help you be a better communicator and leader.

The problem is they may be so embroiled in the conflict that they do not know that they have a basic and fundamental agreement. They may be so focused on arguing about details and so angry at each other that they blame each other for the lack of resolution.

Your first job may be to get them to calm down and talk to each other with your main function being to direct traffic.

Remember that everyone involved already has, somewhere within themselves, the resources necessary for resolving their problem. Your job is not to tell them what to do.

Your most important job is to know what questions to ask to help clarify the situation and assist them in tapping their own resources.

About the author: Communicate skillfully about sensitive subjects in business situations. Have the challenging conversations that lead to cooperation and success. http://www.DareToSayIt.com/blog
Laurie Weiss, Ph.D. is a Master Certified Coach and communication expert. Dr. Weiss has spent 35 years helping clients resolve conflict in business and personal relationships. Email feedback@laurieweiss.com