Turning Conflict into Win-Win Situations
1. PREPARE
Become aware of discomfort and unmet needs.
Check your attitude.
Prepare yourself physically and mentally.
2. INITIATE
Share topic and intention to connect. Agree upon time and place.
3. DIALOGUE
Sit down, get present, and repeat your intention to connect.
State concisely your concern and invite their response.
Listen. Seek to understand before seeking to be understood.
Listen. Get all of their feelings, needs, and concerns on the table.
Breathe, slow down, and check your attitude.
Speak. Get all of your feelings, needs, and concerns on the table.
4. RESOLVE
Summarize the needs of both parties and write them down.
Brainstorm possible strategies and write them down.
If it is major, give it time. Wait for further inspiration.
Decide on individual and joint next steps. Write them down.
Try them out.
5. REVISIT
Check back on how it is working.
Start over again if it does not work the first time.
from Connection: A Self-Care Path for Resolving Differences
Bonnie R. Fraser, www.exploreconnection.com