Monday, September 04, 2006

Conflict Resolution

Conflict resolution relies on the notion of respect, both for ourselves and for others. Maintaining self-respect involves an ongoing awareness of our core values and acting accordingly. If for example, one values honesty but finds oneself lying or caught up in some kind of deception, it is impossible to maintain self-respect. Respecting others involves having an awareness and tolerance of their core values, even if you don’t agree with them.

In a conflict situation, emotions run high and inhibit communication, leading us to react rather than respond to what’s being said. It is important to focus on the issue rather than the person, and to acknowledge what is being said for any resolution to occur. People need to know they have been heard and understood. It may be helpful to look for the good intention behind what is being said on both sides as mutual empathy creates mutual respect.

Here is a web-site on this issue http://www.crnhq.org/crgame.html