SEVEN GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR ENGAGING IN INTERPERSONAL CONFLICT

  1. SEPARATE THE PROBLEM FROM THE PERSON.

    Express the conflict as a shared problem, the resolution of which will benefit you both. Do not indulge in blaming or name-calling. Rather ...

  2. SEEK TO UNDERSTAND BEFORE SEEKING TO BE UNDERSTOOD.

    Accept that you probably do not know what it is that most concerns the other person. Both you and the other person has his or her own subjective reality about what is important and why. Knowing and understanding ...

  3. BE CLEAR, STRAIGHTFORWARD AND SPECIFIC.

    State clearly what you have seen, heard and experienced that has influenced your perception of this conflict. Tell the other person what ...

  4. LOOK FOR THE NEEDS AND INTERESTS THAT LIE BEHIND EXPRESSED VALUE JUDGEMENTS AND DEMANDS.

    Arguing about the validity of either of your value judgments or demands of each other is likely to lead to a stalemate or ...

  5. KEEP TALKING EVEN WHEN THE GOING GETS TOUGH.

    Withdrawing into silence or breaking off interaction with the other person when the going gets tough may lead to a rapid escalation in ...

  6. MAKE IT EASY FOR THE OTHER PERSON TO BE CONSTRUCTIVE.

    Extend appreciation and respect to the other person when you can do so sincerely. Show the other person that you care about the ...

  7. LEARN FROM THE EXPERIENCE; OPENLY EXPRESS THIS LEARNING TO THE OTHER PERSON.

    Review the process of the development of this conflict. Notice the actions that have influenced the tensions resulting in ...


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