Conflict transformation Skills

Although Conflict transformation can be approached using a variety of different styles, all styles employ the same transformative skills. To navigate conflict successively and sustain relationships one must master the right timing and approach to exercise each of them.

Active listening - Active listening is intently focusing on what the other person has to say. Making note of their phrasing and then respond using their same wording. This not only demonstrates we are listening but helps clear up any confusion in responses.

Emotional Intelligence- Emotional intelligence which is our ability to read and understand our emotions, as well as those of others. Once we can effectively appreciate the other party’s emotions, it is easier to communicate without provoking them.

Our own emotions: If we don’t know how we feel or why we feel the way we feel, we will not be able to communicate effectively or smooth over disagreements. Our ability to handle conflict depends on being connected to these feelings.

Quickly relieve stress; Our capacity to remain relaxed and focused during tense situations is paramount in transforming conflict. If we are unable to be centred and in control of self, we may become emotionally overwhelmed in challenging situations. The best way to relieve stress rapidly and reliably is through the senses: sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell.

Patience

None of us wants to be wrong, therefore, it is not easy to overcome disagreements! It is to take time to listen and value each argument evenly as there is always no mutual clear answers in conflicts

Impartiality

It is fundamental to separate the conflict from the people who are involved with it. We should refrain from focusing on the people and their personal characteristics, instead, let us look at the problem itself and throw all our energy and mind into finding a centre point.

Positivity-It is only when we are willing that we can come to an agreement, the challenge of coming to agreements without a will, a half-hearted compromise has never worked, where it appears to be working, it is being undermined quietly. Conflicts are full of roadblocks, and luck of willingness to overcome them is unhelpful.

Open Communication -Conflicts create a relationship between the stakeholders that does not end with the resolution of the problem. This relationship lasts forever and needs to be nurtured for the conflict to remain solved.

Creating an open line of communication between the parties is the best approach for fostering a healthy, long-term relationship.

Empathy-Empathy is about standing up, not standing by, it is uncovering what’s below the surface through active listening and putting words into action. “Conflict resolution is a process in which two or more parties have to work towards a solution to a problem or dispute.

Nonverbal communication skills-The actual information exchanged during conflicts and arguments is often communicated non-verbally. This includes eye contact, facial expression, tone of voice, posture, touch, and gestures. When we’re in the middle of a conflict, paying close attention to the other person’s nonverbal signals may help us figure out what the other person is really saying and respond in a way that builds trust, and get to the root of the problem.

Humour-It may be reasonable to avoid many confrontations and resolve arguments or disagreements by communicating in a playful or humorous way. Humour can help us say things that might otherwise be difficult to express without creating a tense atmosphere. It is important that what makes us laugh is to the other person too, not at them.