Conflict Handling


How one handles conflicts  of an interpersonal nature, whether at work at home or in a social milieu depends on the reason for the conflict.

Often a conflict can

blow up over what seems to be a trivial matter. It helps to try and see the other's point of view. it may be a simple misunderstanding or a workaround may be found if the issues are clearly understood.

An essential in any conflict situation is to minimize emotional issues. Deal with facts and discuss options.

Discussion is always a good option, if you can manage it and the situation is not too heated. remember, the other party may be in a highly emotional state and nothing will be accomplished if both parties get into such a state. emotion is an impediment to conflict resolution, but appealing to emotions may also be part of the solution.

A good strategy may be to delay dealing with the issue - give people time to think things over, Establishing an approach of each party looking at the advantages and disadvantages from their own point of view and what they understand as the other's point of view  (preferably written down, even if only in point form) can help clarify matters. Then a meeting when tempers have cooled and issues are clearer to discuss the points and see what can be done to alleviate any problems. This also highlights misunderstandings very quickly. Often conflicts are simply rooted in misunderstanding and suspicion, especially of motives - not substance.

Goodwill on both sides and a desire to achieve an amicable agreement is a powerful factor in resolving any conflict situation. try to appeal to our innate sense of fairness and desire to be accommodating.

Sometimes there is no solution (mother-in-law jokes are no joke) and if no immediate resolution is required for any practical reason, such as an immediate choice which must be made, avoidance in order to give time the opportunity to work its magic on all parties is sometimes the only option. It is amazing how people can learn to live with each other despite mutually despising the other's opinions.