What do you do if your conflict resolution strategies are not effective?

1 Assess Situation

When your conflict resolution tactics fail, the first step is to take a step back and reassess the situation. Determine what's working and what's not. It's important to understand the conflict's root causes and the dynamics between the involved parties. Perhaps there's an underlying issue that wasn't initially apparent, or maybe the conflict has evolved. By taking a comprehensive view of the situation, you can identify new angles from which to approach resolution. This could involve gathering more information, seeking feedback from unbiased third parties, or simply allowing some time for tensions to cool.

2 Adjust Approach

If your initial strategies are ineffective, it's time to adjust your approach. Consider whether you may need to adopt a more flexible stance or if a different conflict resolution style is warranted. For instance, if a collaborative approach hasn't worked, perhaps a more assertive stance is needed to push through a deadlock. It's also useful to consider if all parties have been heard equally or if someone's perspective has been overlooked. Adjusting your approach might also mean involving a mediator or changing the setting where discussions take place to neutralize power imbalances.

3 Improve Communication

Communication is the cornerstone of effective conflict resolution. If your strategies are floundering, it might be due to miscommunication or lack of clarity. Ensure that all parties involved have a clear understanding of the issues at hand and the proposed solutions. It might be helpful to restate the objectives and interests of each party to confirm mutual understanding. Sometimes, simply finding a different way to articulate a point or using more inclusive language can bridge gaps and lead to breakthroughs in deadlocked situations.

4 Provide Training

In some cases, ineffective conflict resolution is a result of a lack of proper skills among the team members. Providing training in conflict management can be an effective long-term solution. This can empower individuals with the tools and techniques necessary to handle disputes constructively. Training sessions might cover topics such as active listening, emotional intelligence, negotiation skills, and other relevant areas. By investing in your team's conflict resolution capabilities, you're not only addressing the current issue but also preventing future conflicts.

5 Explore Alternatives

When standard conflict resolution methods fail, explore alternative dispute resolution (ADR) techniques. ADR includes various methods such as arbitration, mediation, and conciliation that can be more effective in certain situations. These methods often involve a neutral third party who can facilitate a fair and objective resolution process. Sometimes, simply changing the format of the resolution process can help the conflicting parties reach an agreement.

6 Seek Assistance

Finally, don't hesitate to seek external assistance if conflicts remain unresolved. This could involve consulting with a professional mediator, bringing in a conflict resolution expert, or even seeking advice from mentors or colleagues who have faced similar challenges. External parties can offer a fresh perspective and may introduce novel solutions that internal stakeholders are too close to the situation to see. Remember, seeking help is not a sign of weakness but rather a strategic move to ensure the health and success of your program.