Conflict Resolution

A problem to solve: a problem occurs or is presented.

1. Disagreement: Everyone tries to protect their own interests.
2. Contest: people begin taking sides (a You- vs. -Me, Us- vs. -Them situation).
3. Crusade: People in conflict will make overgeneralizations in judgement, not just about the problem but also about the person.
4. WorldWar II: The problem is now unresolvable; either side will survive or the other will not.
It is advisable to try to resolve conflicts early in the stage to reach a consensus with effective conflict resolution strategies:
• Confronting: open dialogue (everyone can voice their opinions) leading to problem resolution to create a win-win situation.
Collaboration: working together to reach a mutually agreed solution.
• Smooth/accommodate: conceding one's position to the needs of others.
• Force/Direct: push viewpoints at the expense of others. Use of power positions to resolve emergencies.
• Withdraw or avoid postponing issues to be resolved later or by others.