If you can only see two alternatives – your viewpoint and the wrong one you are not going to be able to be in the right frame of mind to resolved conflict. A good manager will seek to find many different solutions so that the choice to resolve a problem becomes a real one.
1) The Team leader starts the meeting by explaining the conflict or problem .
2) Outlines in detail why it needs to be solved – the impact on effective working, relationships or other that leaving the problem will or is causing
3) Each side (and care must be taken if there are more on one “side” than the other) states their own position. Each person must take turns and listen carefully.
4) Each side then outlines what they understand to be the other side’s position
5) The Team Leader re-states problem until all agree on the precise nature of the problem, with inflammatory language or putting people down.
6) Brainstorm as many solutions as possible. Go round the group for possible strategies until members finally run out of ideas. Do not allow people to make disparaging remarks about other’s ideas.
7) Begin to come together on one solution. Let members, for example, choose their “Top 3” solutions from those discussed. Look for common ground and emphasize this.
Get all members of the group to agree to one solution (which may have more than one action).
9) Conclude and re-state solution
10) List the Specific Actions to be taken and who should take them
Ten Steps to Conflict Resolution
October 13, 2011 By