Center for Conflict Resolution - Conflict Resolution Methods

Conflict Resolution Methods

There are many ways people deal with conflict:

-- Give in and accept the changes someone wants.

-- Do nothing; hoping the problem will go away.

-- Avoid the person or the situation.

-- Pretend the problem does not bother you when it really does.

-- Go to a higher authority.

-- Go to court or arbitration.

-- Fight and argue.

-- Talk things out with the other person (in private or with a mediator).

Here are some steps one could follow to resolve a conflict:

“If thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault, between thee and him alone; if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.” (Matt. 18:15)

1. Talk to the Other Party. Surprisingly, many people complain of impossible difficulties about their problem without ever once trying to talk with the person who could solve the problem. Two disagreeing parties should first try to make an honest effort to discuss their points of view and work things out on their own. Be calm and respectful. Keep an open mind and be willing to listen. If you cannot talk face-to-face or by telephone, write a letter. Keep it short and to the point, and above all, be polite. See How to Talk Things Out to know more about talking to the other party.

2. Try Mediation. If your efforts to talk things out fail, you may request mediation service through the Center for Conflict Resolution. We will attempt to mediate by discussing the problem with both sides and, if necessary, by bringing the parties together in a mediation conference. The mediator remains neutral and impartial and helps the parties work out what they think would be the best solution.

3. Arbitration or Court. When disputing parties fail to reach a settlement through mediation, they may carry it on through our arbitration process or the public judicial system. Arbitration is a private adjudicatory process similar to a court of law. The decisions are legally binding. The disputants give up the power to create their own solution and place control of their problem in the hands of a neutral third-party, called an arbitrator. Therefore, arbitration or court should be the last resort to settle a dispute. When seeking adjudication of the dispute, the parties must choose either arbitration or court; they cannot do both. (See Arbitration.)

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Conflict Resolution Methods