A Guide On Conflict Resolution

Although conflicts are inevitable, most people do not know how to handle them. In the extract below, you will learn how to manage conflicts in your personal and business life.

Conflicts and Interests

A conflict occurs when your interests do not align with those of the other party. However, how you respond to the conflict will determine the outcome of the dispute. It is essential to let your needs be known. For example, rather than tell your partner that you need to use the car today, you should tell him or her why you need the vehicle. More often than not, he or she will reason with you if your needs are more important.

Conflicts and Compromise

Conflicting parties must compromise their interests for them to resolve a conflict. Conflicts occur when two or more people are entitled to a specific right or object. As such, parties that have a win-win mentality resort to violence as a way of resolving the conflict. Put the needs and interests of the other party into consideration. For example, in an ideal situation, each party in a divorce has equal rights to the children. It would therefore be futile to seek sole custody if your partner does not pose a threat to your children.

Consider Out-of-Court Agreements

Most civil cases can be resolved through an out-of-court process. Out-of-court agreements are often cheaper than court processes. However, the main benefit of an out-of-court process is that the parties have control over the process. If you cannot see eye to eye with you adversary, hire a lawyer to represent your interests.  

Conflict Resolution

There are several methods to resolve conflicts, namely; 

1. Negotiation

This is a conflict resolution process where conflicting parties meet to resolve their dispute. The process does not involve any third parties. To improve the success of a negotiation process, you must be ready to listen to the opinion of the other party. Rigidness will result in collapsed talks.

2. Mediation

During mediation, the conflicting parties involve a neutral third party to guide the talks. The third party cannot decide on behalf of the conflicting parties. However, he or she will encourage the parties to be open-minded and focus on resolving the conflict.

3. Arbitration

Arbitration is a process in which conflicting parties present their cases to an arbitrator. The arbitrator makes a ruling after both parties make their submissions. It is often used to resolve commercial and international disputes. In most cases, the arbitrator's decision is final. 

Conflicting parties must be level-headed if they intend to resolve the dispute. Preferably, hire an experienced solicitor to represent your interests.