Conflict Resolution

"If only I didn't have to work with people, I would enjoy working with the public."  Should this statement sound familiar to you, it is a good bet that you have experienced conflict of some kind today.  Unfortunately, everyone will experience some form of conflict almost on a daily basis.  How you deal with that conflict can be the difference between you getting on with life or being eaten up with anger or resentment.

People have conflict because their interests or their values are being challenged or because their needs are not being meet.

How do you deal with conflict in a positive manner?  Try the following ideas:

Communicate - Numerous problems in a typical day are brought on by a lack of communication or a miscommunication

Listen - Good communication starts with hearing what the other person is saying, not just waiting until he/she stops speaking

Clarify - Ask questions and attempt to see the issue from the other person's point of view.  Viewing both sides can help you form a clearer picture of the information

Summarize - When an individual finishes telling you his/her side of the situation, tell that individual what you understood to be the facts of the issues.

Together, these techniques can get you starting to understanding and resolving the conflict.

Mountain View Hospital offers a free education support group on anger management and conflict, for more information click here or contact the CARELINE at (800) 662-1002.