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Conflict Resolution 101

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There is no doubt how challenging dealing with conflict can be. I myself absolutely disklike conflict in any form. As a matter of fact, I try to avoid it at all costs!

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of today’s post I want to give you the definitions of a few words. I am sharing the definitions to give you a better understanding of what they mean.

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Conflict- A serious disagreement or argument, typically a protracted one.

Resolution- A firm decision to do or not to do something. or the action of solving a problem, dispute, or contentious matter.

Conflict Resolution: is a way for two or more parties to find a peaceful solution to a disagreement among them. The disagreement may be personal, financial, political, or emotional. When a dispute arises, often the best course of action is a negotiation to resolve the disagreement.

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This is something that if you have to deal with people you need to know the proper way to handle conflict when it arises.  It is hard to bite your tongue when things happen that you don’t agree with. Better yet when someone does something that hurts your feelings.

Especially in the workplace or a professional setting.

We all have to deal with conflict at one point in our lives, but we need to be sure we are doing it the right way. I have dealt with people within my professional career and personal and it wasn’t easy. I honestly can say that dealing with personal conflicts are tougher for me that the business/professional ones. The reason I believe it, is because I am more connected with my personal relationships.

Today I want to give you a few tips on how you can deal with conflict in the business world through conflict resolution. Although these tips will work with personal relationships we are going to focus on the workplace (business) for the sake of today’s post.

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First, you need to make your concerns are known and request on meeting at a mutually acceptable time and place to discuss the conflict.

Second, once you have agreed and the meeting is getting underway be sure to state your problems or concerns as you see them. Be sure to make “I” statements and withhold any judgments and accusations.

Third, this one is important. Let the other person have his/her say. This may be challenging but you need to be sure to not interrupt or contradict the other person. However, do not allow the other person to be rude or call you names, make threats or intimidate you in any way.

Fourth,  be sure to listen and ask questions. You should ask fact-based questions (who? what? where? when? how?) to make sure you understand the situation. Remember to avoid accusatory “why” questions (why are you like that?) You also want to make sure to use your own words to restate what you think the other person means and wants. Lastly, be sure to acknowledge the other person’s feelings and perceptions.

Fifth, if the discussion breaks down,  you can attempt to reschedule another time to meet. If that is not an option you may want to consider bringing in a third party.

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Conflict Resolution

The process is never easy but if you run your own business, or working in corporate America it is one thing that most of us will experience. I hope that I have shed a little light and understanding of the topic. More importantly, I hope you found this post helpful.

 

Have you had to deal with conflict? How did you handle it?