Conflict Strategies

Unfortunately conflict has arose in my office recently but not so drastic that as a professional we could not come together as a team and resolve it.  We use strategies without even thinking about them when ti comes to conflict.  Two strategies that stood out to me this week are as follows:

·         Win/win approach-is about changing the conflict from adversarial attack and defense, to co-operation.  It is a powerful shift of attitude that alters the whole course of communication (Conflict Resolution Network).  I never want anyone to feel that they are not worthy of being heard or that they are not right.  We all have true concerns or arguments about situations that we are passionate and I like to come to a resolution that both of us win.

·         Escapist strategy-avoiding direct conflict and are good for quick resolutions but may leave issues unresolved (O’Hair & Weismann, 2012).  I have actually used this strategy because I was tired of discussing the subject.  Feeling as if we were chasing our tail and not getting anywhere, especially if it is a subject that really is not important or hold any value to the program or the community. 

Both strategies are great to use in any situation involving conflict.  I have personally used these two before, especially the escapist strategy. 

Conflict Resolution Network. (n.d.). CR kit. Retrieved from http://www.crnhq.org/pages.php?pID=12#skill_3

O'Hair, D., & Wiemann, M. (2012). Real communication. New York: Bedford/St. Martin's