1. Conflict Resolution
Melissa Rodgers
© Jenison International Academy

2. Conflict
Conflict, which is unavoidable in human life, is disruptive at
best and horribly destructive at worst – yet some forms of
conflict have important benefits when handled skillfully. A
value of conflict is the prevention of stagnation. It “stirs
things up” and in some cases causes changes in a system
to occur and can make the situation better for those
involved.
Conflict can destroy a relationship if handled improperly
The challenge is to learn to manage conflict in such a way
as to minimize the risks and maximize the benefits

3. Facts about Conflict
1. Conflict is manageable and predictable.
2. We do have a choice.
3. Some conflict may never be resolved (agree to
disagree)

4. Causes of Conflict
1. Communication problems
2. Differences in objectives (what)
3. Differences in methodology (how)
4. Personality differences

5. Results of conflict
Constructive / Positive
1. Brings issues out into open
2. Promotes self confidence
3. Strengthens relationships
4. Improves communication skills
5. Helps resolve problems logically

6. Results of conflict
Destructive / negative
1. Weakens relationships
2. Creates unpleasant living/working
environment
3. May be physically harmful
4. May damage self-esteem
5. May not resolve problem

7. Rules for managing conflict
1. Don’t fight to win – come up with a solution where there are
no losers. Your result should be a win-win solution.
2. Be sure you understand what the cause of the conflict is –
make sure you and the person you have a conflict with are
talking about the same thing.
3. Take care of a problem when in comes up – do not let the
problem “bottle up” inside you, if you do that, the problem may
become much worse
4. Handle only one conflict at a time – do not bring up other
problems you have with the person.

8. Rules for managing conflict
5. Don’t blame others for problems you are having
with someone else – only involve the people who
are part of the original problem.
6. Think before you speak – is your filter on?
7. Never hit another person to get your way –
physical violence is never the answer and will only
make the problem worse

9. Rules for managing conflict
8. Listen to what the other person has to say – use active
listening skills and truly listen to the other person instead
of thinking what you are going to say next.
9. Once the conflict has been resolved, forgive and forget
– this can be hard to do, but once it is resolved, no need
to bring it up again, especially if another conflict arises.