Question

11. Describe the five strategies for managing interpersonal conflict.

Answer 1

Some people can be difficult to deal with. They can be anybody, could be a friend, colleague, parent, sibling, classmate or a roommate. We are ought to interact with them and cannot ignore their existence. The challenge is to how to deal with them in order to make our life a little stress-free.

Following is the list of 10 steps that could help in managing interpersonal conflict:

1. Resolving conflicts: When dealing with people who are difficult to handle, the main goal should be to resolve a conflict instead of prolonging it, belittling the other or proving a point.

2. Don't take it personally: It is important to not let your ego come in way, their words may feel like a direct attack, but it is the best to understand, if not, then just let go.

3. Trying to understand: Understanding the other person's perspective is important but not always is it possible to get their point, but at least a few attempts to understand and make some sense to them can help.

4. Sharing feelings: A person may only be difficult to handle but they sure can acknowledge ones feelings. Sharing may help them understand your perspective and you could understand theirs.

5. Watching one's tongue: Mean and hurtful words should be avoided by both parties. That will only aggravate the conflict.

6. Letting the other person know the truth but respectfully: Truth can indeed pinch. You can be as honest as you may please, but blatancy may cause ruffle and the situation may go out of hand. It is important to let the other person know of the truth respectfully instead of hurting them in anyway.

7. Seek and grant forgiveness: At any point if you feel that you may have crossed the line, it is always better to seek for forgiveness. That makes you a bigger person. Likewise, if a person asks for forgiveness, it must be granted instead of holding it against them.

8. Take time out if needed: Not always may you be in a headspace to understand and listen to a person. It is important to take your time once in a while to clear your mind and not be agitated, as anger could lead to situations that could be avoided.

9. Communication: Listening before communicating is the most important step in dealing with difficult people. You need to respond instead of reacting and you can do so if only you listen carefully.

10. Appreciate when needed: Nobody is perfect or flawless. Every individual comes with their positive and negatives. It is necessary to appreciate the other person when required.