Conflict resolution is a skill that benefits all types of career paths. Simply put, conflict can arise in virtually any setting, from corporate jobs to in-field work. And it often emerges when people are unmotivated and stressed, for example, if changes on the horizon happen, or when people are under pressure because of a looming deadline.
Understanding how to deal with those conflicts, reconcile emotions, and reach an understanding are valuable practices that will boost well-being and productivity – and all of these techniques are learned through conflict resolution.
The first important scenario is to know when to step away from a conflict and ask someone skilled to mediate. Developing mediation skills will be helpful when conflict has escalated beyond the normal level.
In the heat of conflict, it gets difficult to think rationally about how you might make things better. But taking a pause and considering the elements of mediation and conflict resolution can help you move toward a more rational aspect of the dispute and come up with solutions to address it.
Work Conflict Resolution
At work, disputes can arise based on several grounds like personalities, work assignments, management and employees, equal employment opportunity issues, and several other areas. The three essential elements that will help diffuse a situation and work towards resolving issues at work include applying mediation techniques, allowing parties to be heard, and communication.
Deciding upon the approaches that may work best for conflict resolution in a given situation is highly dependent on the facts and parties involved. Michael Gregory, an experienced mediator focuses on facilitative mediation using transformative techniques. Parties involved will get the opportunity to present their facts, positions, and interests to move towards resolution. Mediation saves mental and physical toil and time and is a viable alternative for issues like multiparty, complex, highly technical, valuation, intellectual property, or significant tax issues.
What’s involved with mediation?
A mediator determines the best process in consultation with all parties involved. Usually, a mediation process will consist of:
• Joint meetings with the parties involved to discuss and explore the issues
• Separate preliminary meetings with each party
• Generating and developing resolution options
• Forming agreement
Benefits of Mediation and Conflict Resolution
Building Relationship: Empathy, emotional awareness, and communication are crucial elements of conflict resolution that can lead to high functioning and more satisfying relationships in all aspects of life. Rather than simply dismissing a relationship after an argument, conflict resolution can help you strengthen this and prevent any issues in the future.
Enhancing Commitment: Conflict resolution can help bring people together once an issue is put to rest. It helps in tackling problems as a team, rather than attacking each other. This is a great way to enhance each party’s commitment to the process, and avoid greater feelings of defensiveness.
Generating New Insight: Proper mediation and conflict resolution skills are designed to keep disagreements from escalating while continuing to discuss each view point and eventually reach a collaborative conclusion. By using conflict resolution skills, you will be better equipped to learn from and teach others in both professional and personal realms.
Seeking early mediation and conflict resolution can mend a situation in many great ways. We are here to help.
