Conflict Resolution – Understanding Reconciliation (II)

As a mediator, or even a party on one side of a conflict, one must be able to begin working toward effective reconciliation by way of first understanding the problem at its root. The problem at hand may not be the origin (in many interpersonal relationships at least) of the conflict, rather a catalyst for it. Both mediator and partakers of the process must be able to collectively correlate between the base action and the principles that are at play (be it in conflict or for lack of) in order to effectively deal with the problem. The source of conflict may even be so far removed that the argument has developed an arbitrary angle to it – for example leaving a conflict unchecked for so long that it stops being about a principle and becomes more centered on factors like trivial personal attacks.

Once being able to gather a good base understanding of a conflict, all parties need to request solutions from one another in a bid both be impartial and fair. By understanding the opposite party's solution at it's core, one can better understand the goals of that party, and how to align them with one's own for a mutually beneficial outcome. The question at hand here is, “How can you make things better between both parties?” and can only be answered by first understanding sole wants before attempting to combine them into a collective want.

From here, it becomes easier to start to identify solutions that both disputants can support – the most acceptable course of action is one in which both parties can walk away feeling that they had been treated fairly in the extent and brand of justice/recompense they receive. Once solutions have been realised for their merits toward a collective rather than an individual, agreement toward an effective outcome that tackles the source of an issue can be made.  

Of course, conflict resolution involves a host of soft skills that not everyone may possess. At Mediate2Resolve Online, we offer professional mediation services for a host of situations, ranging from disputes in the workplace to miscommunications at home. Please click here to be taken to our website and explore our full range of services and workshops.