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Settle Business Conflicts

Try conflict resolution to settles issues

Some conflict is inevitable and it is not all bad, but if unresolved, it can take time, energy and dollars way from your business goals. You can use conflict resolution to promote solutions in your business environment. It has been applied successfully to all sorts of social problems and it can work for you. If you learn how to manage conflict your chances of success will improve. Rather than give up, become violent or file a lawsuit you can utilize the following techniques of conflict resolution to come to agreement:

Negotiation – two or more people reach agreement.
Mediation – neutral third party facilitates agreement.
Arbitration – neutral third party decides the case.
Mediation-arbitration – neutral third party decides if mediation fails.
Early neutral evaluation – attorney attempts resolution.
Community conferencing – facilitator directs structured conversation.
Collaborative law – attorneys commit to find settlement.
Negotiated rulemaking – collaborative governmental process.
Peer mediation – mediators help resolve disputes among rest of peers.

Try to understand behaviors

An assertive person may be confrontational and only want to satisfy their personal concerns. On the other hand a cooperative person will have others’ interests at heart. The major strategies both types of people use to deal with conflict include the following:

Avoidance – useful when it is not worth the effort to argue but can worsen the conflict.
Accommodation – allows others to win but can compromise self.
Competition – useful if there is strong conviction but does not address the issue.
Compromise – each side gives in a bit which allows process to move on.
Collaboration – use mutual resources to meet each side’s requirements.

You may need to be the leader

Assume a leadership role if you are involved in a conflict between your business associates or personnel. Six steps you can utilize if you have to manage a business dispute are:

Initiate dialogue – get everyone together and assure them you will be objective. Allow everyone a chance to present their side. Only discuss the present issues.
Involve all parties – ask questions and involve everyone. Listen to their answers.
Assimilate information – consider all the facts and feelings. Clarify each position and the cause.
Reinforce agreements – build trust in order to negotiate. It will be easier to negotiate the disagreements.
Negotiate disagreements – review and rank the disagreements. Start with the easiest or least significant problem and draw adjustments from each side. Be sure all participants understand all the facts.
Solidify agreements – review any changes that have been agreed to. Ask if the compromises are still acceptable. Provide a final review and commitment to the changes. Confirm them with a contract or a checklist and a handshake.

Learn More:

Conflict Resolution Network