CONFLICT RESOLUTION TECHNIQUES: 13+ Best Effective Techniques In Relationship with Examples

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Conflict Resolution Techniques
Methods of Conflict Resolution With Examples
14 Effective Conflict Resolution Techniques
BEST CONFLICT RESOLUTION TECHNIQUES
Conflict Management Skills
Conclusion
Conflict Resolution FAQs
What is the best way to resolve conflicts?
What is conflict resolution?

Generally, conflict is pretty much inevitable when people work together. But what is conflict? Well, conflict is any difference in opinion or some kind of disagreement or argument between two or more parties. However, some conflicts are not long-lasting, but others need some sort of skill to be resolved effectively. That is what brings us to conflict resolution. How best can conflict be managed and resolved?

Conflict Resolution Techniques

Although, it is not necessarily important to resolve the conflict, but also is equally important to ensure that the parties involved in conflict do not unnecessarily end up being in any kind of emotional stress during the resolution process of the conflict. That is one sure tip in any conflict resolution in general.

Conflict resolution is basically the process in which two or more parties work toward to profer a solution to a problem or dispute whether big or small. Generally, conflict resolution is all about solutions. Its techniques all end up in peace in general.

Methods of Conflict Resolution With Examples

We have eight basic methods for conflict resolution. They are;

#1. Unilateral Decision:

This is vague but it works in some cases. Generally, it’s more like a forceful break though. That is, you lay terms down and see who breaks first. For example;
A big supermarket is in a huge fight with another big brand but the brand’s “unilateral decision” is not to supply their products to this particular supermarket again until their demands are met. Although, the major advantage of this method is that it shows strength and resilience. But, it’s not really good for future or sustainable friendships and/ or partnerships.

#2. Persuasion:

We all know the common rules of persuasion. Basically, it’s all about conviction, trying to convince the other party involved to give in. Generally it shows the willpower of the person trying to persuade the other. Persuading someone to do something that they may not want to do is undoubtedly a skill. Unless you’ve mastered this skill, you might not be successful. But it’s free so trying won’t hurt.

#3. Haggling/Bartering:

When it comes to haggling, it’s not as easy as it seems. Because it involves not just persuasion but other skills as well to adequately resolve the conflict. A typical example is the market scenery. When a lot of locals go to the market, the whole process of trying to get a good price for an item is haggling. Although it involves a little negotiation they are not necessarily synonymous terms. The major disadvantage though is that this particular method deals with a neutral point. That is you can fully get what you want but you’d have to compromise and “meet at the middle”.

#4. Arbitration:

Basically, it’s all about asking for the opinion of the next party so, at the end of the conversation, you don’t seem too imposing. But, it’s like common ground. Generally, this is a really effective way for conflict resolution. But if it’s 50:50, you might lose or win.

#5. Postponement:

Popularly, adjournment is a primary to resolve conflict at the time. A typical example is in meetings. Where there is usually a postponement when the two parties will have to come back to the original points once again, with, again little resolution. Generally, the major advantage is that it helps people “cool off”. But postponement does not necessarily help because the issue is still there to be handled.

#6. Problem Solving:

A typical way is: ‘I’ve got an idea, how about if we…?’. Basically, problem-solving resolves the most conflicts. Although, it gives a beneficial solution for both parties. But, both parties must crave resolution before it actually works.

#7. Total Surrender:

Basically, it involves the total agreement of both parties. The major advantage though is really limited because not everyone would fully submit and the point of the conflict I’m the first place is defeated.

#8. Negotiation:

This is a really simple and effective tool when it comes to conflict resolution. It’s more like, “when you do something for me, then I will do something for you in return”. We see negotiating as trading. Yes, there is a lot more to it. Essentially, therefore, it is about ‘giving to get’. It’s is very advantageous because all the parties involved winning. But the issue is it’s always the master class negotiator that takes the game and the weak negotiator loses.

14 Effective Conflict Resolution Techniques

Generally, the fourteen basic yet effective conflict resolution techniques are;

1. Always use yes, and statements.

2. Do not point fingers.

3. When the person explains themselves, always actively listen.

4. Use more “I” statements.

5. Always maintain a calm tone generally.

Read Also: COMMUNICATION IN RELATIONSHIPS: Importance, How to Deal With & Improve Lack of Communication

6. Show a willingness to compromise or collaborate.

7. Don’t talk behind people’s backs, gossiping kills resolution basically.

8. Don’t take anything personally.

9. Pay close attention to nonverbal communication.

10. When resolving a conflict, always prioritize the “getting a solution” than who’s right or wrong.

11. Know when to apologize and forgive.

12. Focus on the conflict at hand and never the past ones.

13. Use humor, when appropriate.

14. Always remember the importance of the relationship.

BEST CONFLICT RESOLUTION TECHNIQUES

#1. Problem Solving / Collaboration / Confronting:

In this method, people involved in the conflict or having a difference in opinion, come up with a standing point or collaboration. Generally, their main focus is on resolving the conflict and finding the best way or alternative/solution for the both parties. Basically, the conflicts can be dissolved by rising above personal emotions with the sole intention to finding what is best for the team. Basically, it’s a win-win.

#2. Compromising/Reconciling:

Sometimes for certain conflicts, there will be a need for the involved parties to think of a middle path/ compromise wherein both parties decide to give up something and identify a resolution. This kind of solution however will be temporary, for that moment and not long lasting solution.

#3. Withdrawing/Avoiding:

In some situation one of the parties in the conflict may decide to retract from the discussion and allows going with the other person’s opinion. Or some situation, one of the parties may decide to completely avoid the conflict by maintaining silence. This works well in situation where one of the parties in the conflict is emotionally charged up or is angry. Hence avoiding any conflict resolution provides a “cooling off” period to the people involved so that they can later come back for meaningful resolution.

#4. Forcing/Competing:

In some situations, a person with authority and power can force his/her opinion and resolves the conflict without giving any chance to the other party/person. This leads to a win-lose kind of an outcome. Someone may end up feeling as a loser while the other person with authority may feel as a winner. This technique can be used if we see the conflicts are unnecessary and mostly destructive for the team.

#5. Smoothing/Accommodating:

This is a technique which is used when the atmosphere seems to be filled with apprehension/distrust among the parties involved. And no one is coming forward for resolving the conflict. In these kind of scenarios, one of the parties can take charge and tries to smooth the surrounding by using nice words and by emphasizing on the points of agreements and playing down on the points of disagreements. This can work as catalyst to break the discomfort between the involved parties by creating a feeling of trust and encourages them to come forward and resolve the conflict.

Conflict Management Skills

Conflict management can be approached using a variety of different styles. While these styles may differ, every method utilizes the same management skills. Basically, it helps to adequately/ successfully manage conflict. Below are some of the basic skills and characteristics that you’ll need to adopt when you want to effectively manage conflicts. Generally we have;

#1. Active Listening Skills:

Basically, the active listening skills focuses on attentiveness. When the other person is speaking, you need to listen. Although, this skill is commonized by salespeople to better connect with customers during sales. But it’s a good skill we all need.

#2. Emotional Intelligence:

When we talk about emotional intelligence, we must also talk about emotional quotient (EQ) which is the measure of emotional intelligence. Then what is emotional intelligence? Well, it is the ability to perceive and understand other peoples’ emotions as well as your own. Generally, this skill is essential when managing conflict because it prevents the situation from escalating. Being able to recognize confusion, anger, and frustration from the conflict shows that you are emotionally mature/ intelligent.

#3. Patience:

Conflicts are not simple to overcome though. When searching for a perfect resolution technique, this one can not be undermined. Conflict resolution is so difficult because people don’t like to be wrong and will often hold their stance on an issue because of it. When you’re looking to manage a conflict with a person like this, you’ll need patience.

Conclusion

Generally, conflict resolution is really important. Although it is hard to come to agree on a solution that everyone would be happy about at first. However, it is not impossible. Because even if they do agree, a half-hearted compromise, it might string up again. Other than resolving major conflicts, conflict resolution skills are important in life in general.