Various methods of resolving conflict often rely on the personality of the parties involved. According to Applied Strategies International, there are a number of different management styles that lend themselves to various methods of handling conflicts. While no one solution is perfect for every situation, some styles are more efficient than others in different circumstances.
Compromise
Compromise is an effective method of resolving conflicts when there are a number of competing interests at work. Compromise is especially useful when the opposing parties are both strong-willed and have much at stake. In order to successfully use compromise as a conflict handling method, the mediator must be a good listener and hear the real needs and desires of the parties. The leader must keep an open mind and a willingness to listen to a number of solutions. A compromise can be achieved when all the parties involved have gotten something that is important to them.
Collaboration
Getting people to work together toward a common goal is an effective means of resolving conflict. The key to using collaboration successfully is to find the common denominator. While a conflict may exist in the core beliefs of the conflicting parities, they may have a common interest in the results, or share other interests that can be used to overcome the conflict. Finding the strengths of each party involved in the conflict allows leaders to make use of everyone's talents to the fullest and get everyone to work individually for a common goal. The collaborative approach includes all parties in the resolution so that a win-win outcome is inevitable. Rather than defer to one side or the other, when using collaboration styles, all parties work together to find a solution. The focus is changed and the outcome is the common denominator.
Accommodation
Accommodation can serve to resolve conflicts by drawing on both compromise and collaboration to find areas of common agreement. Often, the person with the strongest opinion or most at stake is acknowledged and accommodated. Each party may have a say in the outcome, but all the parties involved agree to follow the final decisions made and cooperate in the process. The guise of attack or opposition is removed and all parties agree to work together in all their best interests. Often, one party agrees to give in to save the relationship, which it feels is more important than the current issue. Accommodation is useful for those who can pick their battles and give in when the situation is appropriate.
