10 Tips for Conflict Resolution

Luckily, you can learn how to resolve conflicts in a healthy way that takes care of your feelings and respects the feelings of others. Although each conflict will be different, here are our top 10 tips that can be applied to most conflicts:

1. Try to see it from the other person’s perspective. Remember, you might not know everything that is going on!

2. Give yourself time to calm down before you react. You might plan what you will say or even role play the conversation with someone you trust. 

3. Calmly and respectfully describe your concerns or feelings. Be open and honest about what you are feeling. 

4. Listen actively to what the other person says. Don’t jump to conclusions or focus on what you will say next; listen to understand their perspective.

   

5. Respect the other person’s feelings and hear them out. Even though it can be tempting to try to ignore a problem or pretend something isn’t a big deal, it is important that everyone involved in the conflict has a chance to share how they are feeling.

6. Avoid getting defensive. Keeping your feelings in check can help you have a productive and calm conversation. 

   

7. Forgive and focus on the future. Part of conflict resolution involves agreeing how to handle the situation moving forward. 

8. Be prepared to negotiate and compromise. Solving a conflict can require give and take on both sides.  

9. Find and address the root of the conflict. This will give you better results than looking for a quick fix that won’t truly resolve the conflict.

10. Say you’re sorry. Don’t forget to apologize for any role you had in the conflict!