You’re struggling to design a building. How can conflict resolution skills help you improve your work?

1 Identify the sources of conflict

The first step in resolving any conflict is to identify its sources and understand its nature. Is the conflict about facts, values, interests, or relationships? Who are the parties involved and what are their goals and expectations? What are the underlying causes and motivations of the conflict? By answering these questions, you can clarify the problem and define the scope of the conflict. This will help you communicate better with the stakeholders and avoid misunderstandings or assumptions.

2 Explore possible solutions

The next step is to explore possible solutions that can address the needs and interests of all parties. This requires creativity, flexibility, and collaboration. You can use various techniques to generate and evaluate ideas, such as brainstorming, sketching, prototyping, or feedback sessions. You can also seek inspiration from other sources, such as existing buildings, case studies, or best practices. The goal is to find a solution that is feasible, acceptable, and beneficial for everyone.

3 Negotiate and compromise

The third step is to negotiate and compromise with the parties involved to reach a mutually satisfactory agreement. This involves listening, empathizing, and respecting different perspectives and opinions. You also need to be assertive, confident, and persuasive in presenting your ideas and arguments. You should avoid being defensive, aggressive, or passive-aggressive, as these behaviors can escalate the conflict and damage the relationships. Instead, you should focus on finding common ground and creating win-win situations.

4 Implement and monitor

The final step is to implement and monitor the agreed solution and evaluate its results. This means following through on your commitments and responsibilities, as well as keeping the communication channels open and transparent. You should also monitor the progress and performance of the solution, as well as the satisfaction and feedback of the parties involved. If there are any issues or changes, you should address them promptly and constructively. You should also celebrate the achievements and acknowledge the contributions of everyone.

Conflict resolution skills are essential for any architect who wants to design a building that meets the needs and expectations of the clients, users, and stakeholders. By applying these skills, you can overcome the challenges and conflicts in your projects and create a successful building design. You can also improve your professional reputation, relationships, and career opportunities.

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?