Managing Conflict

by Lewicki, Handbook of Conflict Resolution

Considering the basic needs of communication and trust repair,

 

 

following are some Implications for Managing Conflict effectively:

1. PROCESS AWARENESS:

 

 

The levels of trust or distrust

will shape significantly any emergent conflict dynamics.

2. REALITY ACKNOWLEDGEMENT:

 

Trust is often the first casualty in conflict.

 

When conflict occurs, the foundation of trust breaks down and both sides may become defensive.

 

3. DESTRUCTIVE CYCLES:

Relationships characterized by distrust are likely to be conflict laden,

 

 

Negative expectations can become negative self-fulfilling prophecies,

which feeds further distrust.

which often lead the conflict into greater intensity and hurtfulness.

 

4. RELATIONSHIP BUILDING:

 

Yet, it is even more crucial for them to build common goals and values,

thereby increasing their investment in one another.

 

 

It is important for parties to develop

a level of trust that enables them to work together.

 

5. FUTURE POTENTIALS:

It is possible to repair trust through relationship work.

 

Authentic trust repair is often the starting point

for effective conflict resolution.


 

 "Conflict cannot survive without your participation."

Wayne Dyer