7 Strategies to Deal with Conflict

Negotiation is the most conflict rich activity in the world. Let's face it, if there was no conflict, theres no reason to negotiate! For those of you that are conflict averse, I can tell you that you can manage conflict with practice. With some knowledge and the right approach, you can become an effective negotiator who knows how to get what you want without damaging relationships or creating permanent animosity.

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Negotiation is the process of managing conflict and finding alignment on terms

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Here are seven strategies for managing conflict

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1. Use Empathy: An essential ingredient is understanding the other person’s point of view. Listen carefully without judgment and try to put yourself in their shoes. Ask questions that demonstrate your willingness to understand their perspective. Getting outside of your head and into their is critical to understanding their needs.
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2. Establish a Goal: Before you even begin the conversation, establish a goal or set of goals that both parties can agree on as the desired outcome from the discussion. Having a clear objective helps keep conversations focused and productive.
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3. Be Assertive: During negotiations, it is vital to state your vision clearly but calmly. Don't be afraid to assert yourself; however, avoid aggressive behavior that could escalate tensions or result in insults or hurt feelings on either side of the table.
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4. Work Towards Compromise: Avoid getting stuck in a “win-lose” mentality—not every negotiation needs to result in someone feeling like they won or lost entirely. Instead, work together on finding a common ground.
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5. Make Offers & Counteroffer: The offer & counteroffer system has been used since ancient times as one of the most effective forms of negotiation—if you don't make an initial offer, then there's no room for back-and-forth discussion to find mutual agreement on points everyone finds satisfactory. Even during difficult conversations, explore options.
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6. Take Breaks: If conversations start becoming unproductive or too heated, it may be time to take a break so all parties can cool down and refocus their energies towards finding common ground and reaching an agreement both sides can live with long-term
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7. Keep Your Moral Compass: Dispute resolution isn't about winning at any cost— it's about finding lasting solutions that address all parties' concerns. Ultimately, your goal should be reaching an outcome that works for everyone involved while remaining true to your values.

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Although conflict is part of the game, consider these 7 strategies when having difficult conversations or negotiations.