We get into conflicts at work, and in life. Humans do think, and each one is unique in their thinking. Everyone is not necessarily seeing something the same way. When the interpretations are different, there are bound to be differences between individuals, teams and societies at large.
Life is so unpredictable. It is as short, as it can get. Why to carry the old baggage, and carry on with a territory of dispute for long.
One must try and do their own best to resolve the differences in their lifetime.
Initiate a Talk
Yes, talk it out, and you will more or less understand each other. Talking helps resolve differences.
It takes lot of courage to step up, and initiate conversation with someone. Someone, with whom you do not agree, or you do not share the same set of principles, or thought process.
Remember, it is only the initial effort that you take, and reciprocity from the other side then makes it easy.
If you hear "Yes", then it is first step towards resolving your differences. If it is "No", then don't attach this to your prestige, and lose your sleep over it.
If you hear "Yes", then it is first step towards resolving your differences. If it is "No", then don't attach this to your prestige, and lose your sleep over it.
Go with an Open mind
You must get into a discussion with a right frame of mind.
Prepare well on arguments, and counter-arguments. But, be ready to be surprised with something new. Do not be judgmental. Be respectful of each other.
Understand perspectives
Be sure of yours. And, appreciate the one, that the other one has.
Be ready to listen. Appreciate the fact that there is a difference of understanding, and opinion. The other party is not seeing the situation with the same pair of eyes.
Encourage Facts
Encourage fact based discussion to reach to a conclusion.
Clarify if there are any observations. Observations are nothing but interpretations. It is important to knock off those interpretations or observations, which are not facts.
Clarify if there are any observations. Observations are nothing but interpretations. It is important to knock off those interpretations or observations, which are not facts.
Try to conclude
This is an extremely important step. Be flexible in arriving at conclusion.
Apply the various conflict resolution strategies to arrive at conclusion. The famous conflict resolution model is "Dual Concern model", which is based on concern for self and concern for others.
- Avoidance - Avoid engagement into conflict.
- Competitive - win/ lose. Maximizing favorable outcome to you. No concession to others.
- Accommodate - Give in to the others wish.
- Compromise - Give and take of resources..
- Collaborate - Work together to mutually agreeable solution
During your discussion, it is important to maintain respect for each other. When you sense a destruction or deterioration of discussion, try to calm things down. Note the topic of conflict that you both can take up at later stage.
If it looks difficult to reach to a mutually agreeable decision, then the best conclusion would be to schedule the next meeting for discussion.
Isn't it always good to end your meeting with phrase "We'll talk soon".
Isn't it always good to end your meeting with phrase "We'll talk soon".
