PEORIA MAGAZINE November 2022

C O M M E N T A R Y

EMBRACE CONSTRUCTIVE CONFLICT RESOLUTION

BY DEE BROWN

W hether you spend your days in a workplace, school or at home, con f l i c t i s bound to happen. How you manage and resolve conf lict can make all the difference, with the potential to improve relationships, foster healthy communication, motivate innovation, and create amore positive environment for everyone involved. Creating a constructive environment for conflict resolution can be difficult, but there are certain steps you can take to make the process easier and more effective. It gives everyone a space to be heard, understand the other person’s perspective, and find a resolution that works for all parties. For conf lict resolution to be con structive, it must meet certain criteria.

TIPS FOR CONSTRUCTIVE CONFLICT RESOLUTION 1. Communicate openly and honestly The most important thing you can do when communicating with someone you disagree with is to be upfront about your thoughts and feelings. Don’t try to hide your true views or withhold information that you think may be unfavorable. Doing so will only make the situation worse. However, in order to be heard, you must remain respectful. 2. Listen to the other person’s point of view It’s crucial to try to understandwhere the other person is coming from. It may be helpful to ask questions and restate what you’ve heard in your own words. This will let the other

First, the process should be fair and just. Second, it should be based on mutual respect. Lastly, it should be aimed at finding a solution that meets the needs of the involved parties. There are various causes of workplace conflict including personality clashes, differing opinions on work-related matters, and general feelings of tension in the office. Sometimes conflict is caused by a specific event, such as someone taking credit for another person’s work. Other times, it may be the cumulative effect of several small incidents that have not been addressed. Ignoring or avoiding conflict will not make it go away. In fact, it will onlymake it worse. The first step to resolving conflict is to address it head-on.

110 NOVEMBER 2022 PEORIA MAGAZINE