Resolving Conflict

1
Resolving Conflict

• A conflict is a problem in a relationship.
  Although conflicts can be caused by hundreds of
  different things, they are commonly caused by
• Differing expectations
• Differing values
• Hurt feelings
• Jealousy
• Power struggle

2
Preventing Conflict

• The best way to deal with conflict is to prevent
  it from occurring in the first place. Here are
  some things you can do
• Practice tolerance. Tolerance is the ability to
  accept other people as they are.
• Express yourself. Practicing good communication
  skills will help you to be able to clear up any
  misunderstandings early and prevent bad feelings
  from building up.

3
Preventing Conflict (cont.)

• Walk away. If you find yourself becoming very
  angry with another person, remove yourself from
  the situation. Exchanging words will only make
  things worse. Wait until youve cooled off before
  trying to solve the problem.
• Deflate the situation. If you feel that a
  conflict is about to arise, try to take the air
  out of it. Change the subject or turn to another
  activity.

4
Communication

• The best way to resolve a conflict is to talk it
  out. Here are some pointers to help
• Choose the right time and place. Find a quiet
  place where you wont be interrupted.
• Stick to the point. Talk only about the problem
  at hand. Dont bring up other personal qualities
  that annoy you.

5
Communication (cont.)

• Stay calm. Try not to get angry. It will only
  escalate the situation.
• Choose your words carefully. Try not to say
  anything that will make the situation worse. Plan
  ahead of time what you want to say and how to
  best say it.
• Show respect. Dont judge or make fun of the
  other persons ideas. Avoid threats.
• Listen. Make an effort to understand what the
  other person is saying. Think about the persons
  words and feelings.

6
Peer Mediation

• Another way to resolve conflict is to ask a third
  person, or mediator, to step in and help. Many
  schools, including ours, provide peer mediation
  programs. Peer mediation is a process in which a
  specially trained student listens to both sides
  of an argument and then helps the opposing sides
  reach a solution. There are five steps to peer
  mediation

7
Peer Mediation (cont.)

1. Establish neutrality. You will not take sides or
   decide who is right or wrong.
2. Set the ground rules.
3. Listen to each sides story, without interruption
   or judgment.
4. Search for possible solutions.
5. Dont give up. If the opposing sides cant reach
   an agreeable solution, ask for the help of a
   trusted adult.