Conflict Resolution in California with Eric Reyes, LCSW.
We all have moments of frustration and anger, whether they be associated with a friend, a professional colleague, a family member, or a disagreement in our everyday lives, but there are several positive strategies to use when it comes to dealing with conflict.
What qualifies as a conflict?
According to the Office of Human Resource Development at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, conflict is understood by analyzing various behaviors and the consequences each behavior produces for individuals living with the dilemma.
- Avoidance: This is the person who wishes to ignore the problem and will allow it to dissipate or squander. Unfortunately, quite the contrary is happening in this situation. The problem then swells under the surface until it’s no longer avoidable and must be addressed.
- Standing your Ground: People who use this technique may appear controlling and aggressive in their means of communication. They fear not having their needs met if they don’t set the rules and direct the conversation.
- Surrendering: Often perceived as a diplomat, the person using this tactic concedes to the needs of others. They place the needs and opinions of others on their own because preserving the relationship(s) is the ultimate goal.
- Compromise/Sacrifice: This method is a sort of concession, and while it seems like a good route to take, it’s not the best approach. People in this category make a sequence of tradeoffs, which means they are focusing on what they want as opposed to understanding the viewpoints of others.
- Collaborate: People who practice collaboration care about win-win solutions. This simply means that they scout common aspirations and needs, so that every party knows their opinions and feelings are important and are going to be heard. This style needs a lot of cooperation, assertiveness, and communication among the parties.
Ultimately, understanding your wants and needs and your behavior patterns will establish internal insight or awareness. You will have a better understanding of not just yourself but of others around you and how situations may or may not unfold. This knowledge will give you preliminary tools for conflict resolution.
Book a consultation today for Conflict Resolution with Eric Reyes, LCSW. Call (442) 401-5742 or book a consultation online.