HOW TO RESOLVE CONFLICT AND ACHIEVE A LASTING RECONCILIATION | FIVE BEST WAYS
Conflict is as old as humanity. It has become a vital part of a healthy relationship. conflict has come to stay and it lives with us everyday.
Our world have tasted the bitter swill of civil wars and segregation, terrorism and slaughtering of innocent lives. Most of these conflicts started just by a simple ‘misunderstanding’ which was mishandled. It is our collective duty to usher in a new era of peace.
People will hurt you, that is the reality of sharing this planet with others. Sometimes it is intentional, other times they have no idea they upset you farless broken your heart. Therefore, if you see conflict as something that shouldn’t happen or something that destroys relationships, then it became negative. But on the other hand, if you see it as an important part of a healthy relationship, then learning how to deal with it rather than avoiding it becomes very necessary.
Conflict when mishandled can harm good relationships but if it is handled in a respectful and positive way, provide opportunity for growth and ultimately strengthen relationships.
This skills will help you to turn conflicts into something creative and you can face disagreements with confidence.
Lasting reconciliation can be archieved through these suggested strategies:
1) Change the environment: Agree on a mutually acceptable time and place to discuss the conflict. It is no coincidence that some of the toughest political negotiations of our time, (for example Israel and Palestine) often take place in neutral locations like The Redsea Resort in Egypt or Camp David in the USA. Neutral venues can make a lot of difference.
2) Be still: Control yourself! Conflict usually gives rise to strong emotions and even anger, but be quiet and let the storm run its course. Let the other person do the talking. Sometimes that’s all they want, to be heard, to feel important. Avoid argument because it creates barriers and make negotiations difficult.
3) Show respect: Let the other person have his/her way. No matter the degree of the disagreement, attack the issue and not the person; kick the ball and not the player. Do not allow ‘name-calling, threats, yelling or any intimidating behaviour. Nelson Mandela said “I defeated my opponents without dishonouring them”
4) Discuss one conflict at a time: Identify the real issue and do not change the subject or allow the subject to be changed. Sometimes, the source of the conflict is not what it appears to be as anger is misplaced. Therefore, stick to the issue at hand and find areas of agreement. Ask questions like “What do we agree on?”
5) Consider genuinely the other presons point of view: Put yourself in their position and see from their eyes.Never say “You are wrong” instade try to understand what they are saying and why they feel in a certain way. You don’t have to agree with them, but it is crucial that you respect their right to a different opinion and acknowledge their sence of value.
The five strategies above has been tested and proven reliable to depend upon when in conflict and can give you the result you expected if applied precisely. Feel free to consult us for further question or inquiry and we will be glad to assist you.
