Four Conflict Resolution Techniques

Arguments and fights, in themselves, are not very pleasant situations. However, they can be present in almost all areas in which we have to interact with other people. In addition, if we learn to manage them properly, they  can become a great opportunity to grow and improve our relationships. That is why it is critical that we learn some effective conflict resolution techniques.

In recent decades, disciplines such as psychology have been concerned with developing some of these techniques. In today’s article you will discover which are some of the most used. This way, the next time you find yourself in a difficult situation, you will have some effective conflict resolution techniques. However, first we will see why these techniques are really necessary. Is it really important to study them? Can we act according to our opinion in difficult situations?

Why are conflict resolution techniques necessary?

Arguments are practically inevitable in areas such as work or family. When we have to live with other people, the most normal thing is that our ideas or preferences clash at some point. This can be due to many causes. For example, differences of opinion, personal stress, power games or personal quarrels.

If we do not manage these problems properly, they  can escalate or become chronic, causing a conflict that remains over time. When this happens, our emotional state is weighed down. We receive a load and we carry it wherever we go… no matter how hard we try to pull off our pride and say that we don’t care.

Thus, for example, in the work environment this will make the work environment worse. In this way, employees will be less motivated. In the family environment, conflicts generate a lot of tension. If conflict resolution techniques are not used, arguments can end up alienating some family members.

However, using the right techniques, what could have turned out to be a disaster can remain a mere anecdote. Knowing the best conflict resolution techniques, therefore, will help you improve your relationships with others. In addition, it will allow you to improve as a mediator in cases where the discussions do not have to do with you.

Some known conflict resolution techniques

Although there are many tools for managing discussions, some are certainly more effective than others. In this article we are going to study the following:

• Avoidance.
• Accommodation.
• Commitment.

• Collaboration.

Let’s see each of them, along with their advantages and disadvantages:

1- Avoidance

Avoidance is one of the first conflict resolution techniques that we tend to use the most, especially introverts. But it is also one of the least effective in general. It simply consists of withdrawing from a situation in which there is a threat of discussion or is already taking place. However, there are times when conflicts, by avoiding them, grow in size.

On the contrary, it could be useful when the conflict can be resolved on its own and the consequences of the conflict are not serious. It will also be useful when the situation is very tense and there is a danger that you will express or that the other will express ideas that you do not really think.

The key is not to let it become our only strategy, to use it wisely. If we use it only when it is most useful, avoidance can become a useful strategy.

2- Accommodation

Accommodation consists of finding areas of agreement between the two parties to a conflict, trying not to lose an objective view of the big picture. The conflict or confrontation may occur in a certain field, but that does not mean that the disagreement is complete. However, this is so easy to see from the outside, when the “combat” begins and we give it high priority, preserving this vision is not so easy.

In addition, reducing the intensity and focusing on the junction points, it will be easier to find an agreed exit. In fact, harmony can be restored in the group, even if the underlying discussion is not fully resolved. Again, accommodation shouldn’t be your only strategy. Finally, we can say that it  is useful when it is more important to maintain cordiality and seek a basis on which to settle an agreement.

3- Commitment

The next conflict resolution technique is to find a middle ground between the needs of the two parties. This tool  is especially useful when everyone involved in the discussion needs to win.

Thus, the conflict loses intensity and time can be bought to find a more stable solution. However, while both sides win to some degree, neither side gets quite what they want. Therefore, they  may remain dissatisfied, even after negotiations. However, at least, there may be an approach in the positions. In addition, this type of test allows us to see how a solution can work in reality and not only on paper.

4- Collaboration

Collaboration is the most difficult conflict resolution technique to perform, but it is also one of the most effective. It consists of mediating a disagreement until both parties are able to find a solution. This can take a lot of time and resources, but it is the only way to reach a solution that will leave the parties happy with the result.

Of course, there are many other techniques for resolving conflicts. However, these four are some of the most used. Practice them and apply them to different situations. You will see how your discussions decrease in frequency and intensity.