Basic Conflict Resolution Rules

Ground rules for good conflict resolution.

1. Stay on one topic: Trying to resolve multiple issues in one conversation can add confusion and more misunderstanding.
2. Don’t dredge up the past: Bringing up past words, actions, etc. can be very hurtful to others and damage trust.
3. Avoid “You” statements: Starting sentences with accusations (even if they are true) will put others on the defensive (“You never listen.”). Seek to build safety in your communication.
4. Use “I” statements: Speak from your perspective. “I feel frustrated when the garbage isn’t taken out after I have asked you to take care of it.”
5. Control the tone of your voice: “A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.” (Proverbs 15:1).
6. Don’t lecture each other or treat like a child: Remember that we are “heirs together of the grace of life” (1 Peter 3:7) and that we should treat each other as such.

The steps of good problem solving.

When you have an issue that isn’t solved through communication alone, go through the steps below. For minor
issues, you can move through the steps fairly quickly. However, for emotionally charged, difficult issues you should move through the steps slowly and deliberately.

1. Find an appropriate time and setting to discuss the issue (Ecclesiastes 3:1).
2. Decide what issue is going to be discussed.
3. Define the problem clearly from both points of view.
4. State what you can agree on.
5. Brainstorm together for possible solutions.
6. Summarize, compromise, and agree upon a plan of action to try.
7. Pray to God for help to take the necessary steps and to make progress.
8. Identify a time to meet together again to evaluate your progress.
9. If you continue to have difficulty or cannot find a way to solve the issues on your own, seek counsel from an elder, minister, mentor, or counselor. Proverbs 12:15 says, “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.”

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For Further Information:

Crucial Conversations 
Author: Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan, Al Switzler
This book is filled with practical and easy to use skills and strategies that lead to managing conflict more effectively. The authors use helpful examples throughout the book to apply the useful concepts and principles. This book would be helpful whether you are struggling to resolve conflict at work or home.

 

How to Have That Difficult Conversation You’ve Been Avoiding: With Your Spouse, Adult Child, Boss, Coworker, Best Friend, Parent, or Someone You’re Dating  
Authors: Henry Cloud, John Townsend
A practical handbook on positive confrontation, with a discussion guide.
We know that setting healthy boundaries improves relationships and can solve important problems. We have discovered that uncomfortable situations can be avoided or resolved through direct conversation. But most of us don’t know how to have difficult conversations and see confrontation as scary or adversarial.  

How to Have That Difficult Conversation You’ve Been Avoiding – MP3 Download  

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