Basic skills to successfully resolve conflicts

Resolving conflicts successfully depends, basically, on the ability to regulate stress and the ability to control emotions. Learning to resolve conflicts in a healthy way will increase understanding of each other, build trust, and strengthen the relationship, whatever type it may be.

But in order to reach a healthy and successful resolution of the conflict, it is essential to control stress and know yourself. When people do not recognize their own feelings and get carried away by stress, they can only pay attention to a very limited number of emotions. Furthermore, under these conditions, people are not able to understand even their own needs, which will make it much more difficult to communicate with others.

For this, To successfully resolve a conflict, it is necessary to learn and practice two essential basic skills: the ability to quickly reduce stress when necessary and the ability to remain comfortable enough with one’s own emotions. to react constructively, even in the middle of an argument.

1. Quickly reduce stress

Be able to manage and relieve stress at the moment it is key to staying balanced and focused, and to maintain control. People who are not able to maintain control over themselves they feel overwhelmed In conflict situations they are unable to respond in a healthy way.

Stress interferes with the ability to resolve conflict by limiting the ability to accurately read another’s nonverbal communication.the ability to hear what the other is really saying, the ability to be aware of one’s feelings, the ability to know one’s own needs and the ability to clearly communicate what one needs.

The best way to relieve and reduce stress quickly and reliably is through the senses and sensory stimulation: a smell, a taste, a sound, an image, stroking or squeezing something; Everyone has some trick to relax and calm down.. But since each person reacts differently to these stimuli, it is necessary for each person to find those that calm them and be able to evoke them or put them into practice when they need it.

2. Emotional awareness

Emotional awareness is the key to understanding oneself and others.

Although knowing your own feelings may sound simple, many people ignore certain emotions, such as anger, sadness, and fear. However, the ability to manage conflict depends on being connected to these feelings.

Emotional awareness is a key factor in conflict resolution because It helps to manage one’s feelings appropriately, supporting the basis of the communication process necessary to resolve disagreements.
Emotional awareness helps you understand what is really bothering other people, understand yourself (including what is really worrying you), stay motivated until the conflict is resolved, communicate clearly and effectively, and attract others. influence others.

3. Active listening

When it comes to effective conflict resolution, how effectively we listen is just as important as how effectively we express ourselves. It is vital to understand the other person’s perspective, rather than just our own, if we are to reach a resolution. What’s more, helping others feel heard and understood can go a long way toward resolving a conflict. Listening well is one of the most effective conflict resolution strategies.

4. Open communication

Relationships between people involved in a conflict do not always return to normal when a problem is resolved. This relationship should be fostered after a solution is found to prevent problems from arising in the future.

Creating an open line of communication between parties is the best approach to fostering a healthy long-term relationship after conflict. This allows both parties to check on each other and ensure that both ends of the agreement are met.

5. Positivity

It’s hard to agree on a solution if no one is happy with it. Even if you agree, a half-hearted commitment doesn’t motivate you to keep your end of the deal. This may even provide a participant with an excuse to avoid addressing the conflict altogether.

Being positive with your conflict management actions is a great way to move the conversation forward. Conflicts are full of obstacles and you will have to be willing to overcome them if you want to reach a solution.

6. Assertive communication

Clearly communicating feelings and needs is also an important aspect of conflict resolution.. Saying the wrong thing is like throwing fuel on the fire. The important thing to remember is to say what is on your mind in a clear and assertive way, without being aggressive or putting the other person on the defensive.

7. Empathy

Empathy is the ability to understand the point of view of others, despite not sharing the same opinions. In conflict resolution, empathy allows you to understand what others need from you, which makes it easier to reach agreements.

How to prevent a conflict?

The following tips can help you prevent conflicts both in your relationships and at work:

Treat people with courtesy. Don’t judge them based on their gender, sex, rank, or academic abilities. Be courteous and treat everyone equally and fairly.Respect the opinions of others. You won’t always agree with the opinions of others, but remember that everyone can have different and valuable perspectives based on their past experience.Explain your disagreement. During an argument, you may find that you disagree with the other. If this happens, stay calm. Don’t let anger or resentment build up. In short, communicate calmly and early to avoid confrontations.Think before you talk. If you are angry or frustrated, take some time to compose yourself and formulate rational arguments before talking to someone.Apologize. If you’ve had a disagreement over an issue or treated someone disrespectfully, there’s nothing wrong with offering a sincere apology.Talk honestly and without confrontation. If a disagreement has turned into a conflict, distance yourself from your emotions and document the conflict: write down what they said or did to you, when and where, and how it made you feel. Request a conversation with the other person (whether face to face, by phone, Skype, etc.). Present your position clearly and listen carefully to the response. Ask for clarification if you don’t understand what is being said. Don’t let emotions enter the discussion; avoid raising your voice.Take distance. Unfortunately, not all conflicts can be resolved. It may then be necessary to distance yourself from the source of the problem. This may include resigning from a position, abandoning a research project, or shifting your focus to other activities.

In closing, most people fear conflict and confrontation. But learning and using conflict resolution skills and strategies can help you make conflict resolution a little easier.

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