Five conflict resolution techniques

Arguments and fights, in themselves, are unpleasant situations. However, they usually occur in all areas in which we have to interact with other people. Fortunately, we can learn to manage them properly and turn them an opportunity to grow and improve our relationships. Therefore, it is essential that we learn some effective conflict resolution techniques.

In recent decades, disciplines such as psychology have been concerned with developing some of these techniques. In today’s article you will discover which are some of the most used ones. This way, the next time you encounter a difficult situation, you will have some effective conflict resolution techniques. However, first let’s see why these techniques are really necessary. Is it really important to study them? Can we act according to our opinion in complicated situations?

Why are conflict resolution techniques necessary?

Arguments are practically inevitable in areas such as work or family. When we have to live with other people, The most normal thing is that our ideas or preferences clash at some point.. This can be due to many causes. For example, differences of opinion, personal stress, power games or personal quarrels.

If we do not manage these problems properly, They can escalate or become chronic, causing a conflict that lasts over time. When this happens, our emotional state is burdened. We receive a burden and we carry it wherever we go… no matter how much we try to be proud and say that we don’t care.

Thus, for example, in the work environment this will make the work environment worse. While in the family environment, conflicts generate a lot of tension; and if they do not use conflict resolution techniques, arguments can destroy meaningful family ties.

However, using the right techniques, what could have ended up being a disaster can remain a simple anecdote. Knowing the best conflict resolution techniques will therefore help you improve your relationships with others. In addition, it will allow you to improve as a mediator in cases where the discussions have nothing to do with you.

Some known conflict resolution techniques

Although there are many tools to manage discussions, some are undoubtedly more effective than others. In this article we are going to study the following:

Avoidance.Accommodation.Commitment.Collaboration.

Let’s look at each of them, along with their advantages and disadvantages:

1- Avoidance

Avoidance is one of the first conflict resolution techniques that we tend to use the most, especially introverts. But it is also one of the least effective in general. It simply consists of withdraw from a situation in which an argument is threatened or already occurring. However, there are times when conflicts, when avoided, grow in size.

On the contrary, could be useful when the conflict can be resolved on its own and the consequences of the conflict are not serious. It will also be useful when the situation is very tense and there is a danger that you or the other person will express ideas that you do not really think.

The key is not to let it become our only strategy, to use it intelligently. If we use it only when it is most useful, avoidance can become a useful strategy.

2- Accommodation

The accommodation consists of find areas of agreement between the two sides of a conflict, trying not to lose an objective view of the general picture. Conflict or confrontation may occur in a certain field, but that does not mean that the disagreement is complete. However, what is so easy to see from the outside, when the “combat” begins and we give it a high priority, maintaining this vision is not so simple.

Furthermore, by reducing the intensity and focusing on the junction points, it will be easier find an agreed exit. In fact, harmony can be restored in the group, even if the underlying argument is not fully resolved. Again, accommodation should not be your only strategy. Finally, we can say that It is useful when it is more important to maintain cordiality and find a basis on which to base an agreement.

3- Commitment

The next conflict resolution technique consists of Find a middle ground between the needs of the two parties. This tool It is especially useful when everyone involved in the discussion needs to win..

Thus, the conflict loses intensity and time can be gained to find a more stable solution. However, although both sides win to some extent, neither side quite gets what he wants. Thus, they may remain dissatisfied even after negotiations. However, at least there could be a rapprochement in positions. Furthermore, this type of testing allows us to see how a solution can work in reality and not just on paper.

4- Collaboration

Collaboration is the most difficult conflict resolution technique to carry out, but it is also one of the most effective. Consists in mediate a disagreement until both parties are able to find a solution. This may require a lot of time and resources, but it is the only way to reach a solution that will leave both parties happy with the outcome.

Of course, there are many other techniques for resolving conflicts. However, these four are some of the most used. Practice them and apply them to different situations. You will see how your arguments decrease in frequency and intensity.

5. Conciliation

In this conflict resolution technique a third party is used to propose appropriate solutions to the conflict. It should be noted that the alternatives it offers must be proposed and not imposed.

In this case, The role of the conciliator is to offer ideas and guide the parties in conflict so that they can resolve the situation.. However, the last word lies with the parties involved.

This is a very useful strategy when the parties have reached a stalemate.. It is even powerful to the extent that you can count on a trained third party, with knowledge and experience on the issue that generates conflict; In addition, he must be impartial and know how to investigate, ask or understand both sides to propose alternatives or innovative options.

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