Conflict can arise in many types of relationships, such as personal, professional, or daily interactions with others. It is important to understand why conflict may arise and find effective ways to resolve conflict. Conflict Resolution is the process used to find a peaceful outcome.
Some effective strategies include focusing on the problem, not the person. It is important to recognize when aggressive communication and personal insults are implemented this can escalate or sustain the conflict. It is key to know when to take a break, walk away, and return at a later time to continue to resolve the issue at hand.
Other effective strategies can be to utilize assertiveness skills, which include implementing reflective listening and “I” statements. Reflective listening is where you reflect back by stating what the other person has expressed in your own words and confirming your understanding to their side before expressing and sharing your side. “I” statements is a sentence format that takes responsibility for your emotions rather than blaming the other person. This can help reduce the other person from becoming defensive.
Knowing why you are upset is important before working towards conflict resolution. For example, are you really upset that the trash was not taken out? Or are you upset because you feel like there is an uneven share of housework? Additionally, focusing on one issue at a time and not multiple problems that have been left undiscussed is shown to be most effective.This can also help to reduce the other person’s defense mechanisms to be activated and increase the chances of having successful conflict resolution to the problem. Working towards a resolution does not always look like completely agreeing, but finding a compromisable ground that benefits both sides. There isn’t always a perfect answer to a resolution and at the end of the day we have to remind ourselves, we are all human.
Call our office at 859.338.0466 to schedule an appointment with one of our providers if you feel like you have been struggling with implementing conflict resolution. Our current offices are located in Lexington, Frankfort, and Richmond, KY. We have been trusted mental health professionals in Central Kentucky for over 22 years!
Supporting Articles:
https://www.pon.harvard.edu/daily/conflict-resolution/what-is-conflict-resolution-and-how-does-it-work/
https://www.northcentralcollege.edu/news/2022/09/13/why-conflict-resolution-important
https://www.nu.edu/blog/seven-conflict-resolution-tips-for-couples/
https://positivepsychology.com/conflict-resolution-relationships/
