We present the main conflict resolution techniques. We can easily apply them in our daily life.
Last update: December 13, 2022
Arguments and arguments are very unpleasant situations, but they can happen in any situation where we have to interact with other people. If we learn to manage them correctly, they can become a great opportunity to grow and improve our relationships. This is the reason why It is vital that you learn some effective conflict resolution techniques.
In recent decades, disciplines such as psychology have been involved in developing some of these techniques. In today's article we present the most used.
Knowing them will allow you to have some effective conflict resolution techniques available when you find yourself in a difficult situation. Before introducing them, however, we will tell you why they are needed. Is it important to know them? Can we act according to our point of view in complicated situations?
Why are conflict resolution techniques needed?
At work or in the family, arguments are practically inevitable. When we have to live with other people, it is normal for our ideas or preferences to collide with those of others at some point. This can be due to many causes. For example, differences of opinion, stress, power plays or personal grudges.
If not managed properly, these situations can become chronic causing conflicts that can last over time. When this happens, our emotional state suffers. It is like receiving a burden that we carry everywhere despite our pride trying to cheer us up or telling us that what happened does not affect us.
In the workplace, for example, conflicts worsen the atmosphere in the office, resulting in less motivated employees. Within the family, conflicts generate a lot of tension. If conflict resolution techniques are not used, arguments can alienate some family members.
Using the right techniques, what could have been a disaster could remain a mere anecdote. So getting to know them will help you improve your relationships with others. They will also help you be great mediators in cases where discussions don't directly concern you.
Some conflict resolution techniques
Although there are many tools to manage conflicts, some are certainly more effective than others. In this article we will deal with the techniques of avoidance, adaptation, compromise and collaboration. Let's find out the advantages and disadvantages of these techniques.
1. Avoidance
Avoidance is one of the conflict resolution techniques we tend to use the most, especially introverted people. In general, we can say that it is one of the least effective strategies. It consists of withdrawing from a situation that is already in progress or in which there is a threat of discussion. In some cases, avoiding conflicts only adds to them.
This technique could be useful when the conflict can resolve itself or its consequences are not as serious. It is also useful when the situation is not very tense and there is a danger that a person may express ideas that he does not really think.
The secret is not to make it the only strategy and to use it wisely. If used when it is most useful, avoidance can be a valid strategy.
2. Adaptation
Adaptation consists in finding points in common between the two conflicting parties trying to maintain an objective view of the general picture of the situation. Conflict or confrontation can take place on a certain topic, but that does not mean that the disagreement is total.
However, although it is easy to see it from the outside, when the "confrontation" begins and we give it the highest priority, adopting this attitude is not easy.
By reducing the intensity of the conflict and focusing on commonalities, it will be easier to find a solution that works for everyone. In fact, group harmony can be restored even if the conflict is not completely resolved.
Again, adaptation shouldn't be the only strategy used. We can say that it is very useful when it is more important to maintain friendliness and find a common basis on which to establish an agreement.
3. Compromise
This conflict resolution technique is about finding a middle ground between the needs of the two parties. This tool is very useful when all the people involved in the discussion want to make their positions prevail over others.
In these cases the conflict loses intensity and time can be gained by finding solutions that can satisfy all the parties involved. While the people involved get something, none will get exactly what they want.
It may happen, in fact, that even after the discussion people remain dissatisfied. Despite this, there will be some points in common between the various positions of the participants. This technique allows us to see how a conflict can be resolved in reality and not just theoretically.
4. Collaboration
Collaboration is the most difficult conflict resolution technique to use, but it is also one of the most effective. It consists of dealing with disagreements until both sides are able to find a solution. This can be time consuming and resource intensive, but it is the only way to reach a solution that leaves both sides happy with the outcome.
There are many other techniques for conflict resolution, but the ones discussed here are the most used. Practice applying them to different situations and you will find that the frequency and intensity of your discussions will decrease.
