Conflict is an inevitable part of collaboration and interaction with others. It is also a cycle that will continue if not broken by an effective conflict-resolution technique, according to the University of Missouri--St. Louis. Managing disagreements of opinion effectively ensures the continuation of interpersonal and working relationships. Because a good conflict-resolution manager understands and is able to identify the aspects of the problem, he is able to diffuse the situation and help others achieve a working relationship.
Understand the Parts of Conflict
Effective conflict-resolution managers understand the principle that there are two sides to every story and that helping each party understand the other's position can help achieve the desired effect. The first part of resolution is understanding what the goal is---what are the parties trying to achieve? Then, try to gauge what a person's perception of the conflict is--this often can be different from the actual goal.
Next, open the lines of communication. Identify where the parties can see other points of view and where the two parties can compromise. The communication must be open and honest and should not veer toward personal insults or attacks.
Create a Neutral Zone
Having a place where both parties involved in a conflict feel they have a say is important to achieving a trust that facilitates resolution, according to the Office of Quality Improvement and Human Resource Development. Creating a comfortable atmosphere and neutral territory is important and requires several mutually-agreeable decisions. These include a mutually-agreeable time, place and number of attendees. The discussion area should be in a neutral territory, and if any ground-rules are necessary, they should be established in advance.
Brainstorm
In conflict resolution, there often are many ways to achieve a desired solution. Brainstorming is a conflict-resolution technique in which the mediator and the parties in conflict can create different ideas, without initially judging or debating those ideas, as a means to identifying that alternative solutions exist, according to the Office of Quality Improvement and Human Resource Development. Once both parties see that other options for resolution exist, a positive outcome can be achieved.
Find Humor
The ability to create humor and cause laughter in a stressful situation can relieve tension and stress, according to HelpGuide.org. This does not necessarily mean you have to become a comedian. However, finding an opportunity to say or do something that establishes that a situation could one day be viewed as humorous or funny can help to resolve the conflict.
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