We need to be able to resolve conflicts in order to progress and grow. Destruction is a fact of life, as is conflict. We need to learn how to navigate through these conflicts in order to improve our lives. Also, too much conflict in the workplace usually leads to apathy.

When it comes to conflict resolution and collaboration, we need to remember that we’re all humans and that we all have different perspectives. It’s important to embrace diversity and be open-minded in order to reach the best possible outcomes.

Six steps that high-level leaders are taking to resolve conflict

Guest speaker Jeanne M. Stafford walks us through the steps to solving a conflict in a way that is favorable for both parties:

1. Increase self-awareness

It’s important to be aware of yourself and your own limitations. You can’t change others, but you can change yourself. So ask yourself: Are you aware of who you are and where you’re at in life? If not, what steps can you take to become more aware? Additionally, it’s important to understand your fears and how to overcome them. Difficult situations are a part of life, but it’s how you navigate them and come up with solutions that matter.

2. Create a plan.

As you become more aware of your goals and ambitions, start creating a plan to achieve them. Don’t be afraid of adversity; it can actually be helpful in keeping you focused and motivated. If you encounter any challenges along the way, like conflict of roles, use them as an opportunity to learn and grow. Ask yourself tough questions about how you can overcome these obstacles. Remember, the goal is not to avoid adversity, but to create a plan that will help you succeed despite it.

3. Time your fights.

If you’re feeling angry about something, it’s important to take action and resolve the conflict. To do this, you’ll need to come up with a plan. First, figure out what the root of the problem is. Once you know what’s causing your anger, you can start to brainstorm solutions. Maybe it’s something as simple as a conflict of roles. Try to have a conversation with the person who upset you, or reflect on what you can do to change the situation. Once you have a plan, take action and implement it. Doing something will help you feel better and hopefully resolve the conflict.

4. Be informed 

It’s important to stay informed about the world around you and your field. Keep yourself in spaces that inspire you, educate you, and give you space to ask more questions and gain clarity. Put yourself in spaces and conversations where you can help shape the future.

5. Open yourself up to different perspectives and tools. 

There’s always room for improvement, regardless of whether or not you need to resolve a conflict. Embrace new technologies, people, and methods to keep pushing yourself forward. Learning should be an ongoing process. By expanding your horizons, you can open yourself up to new ideas, perspectives, and tools that can help you grow as a person and professional.

6. Now is the time.

It’s time to take action on the things you’re passionate about. Remember, too much conflict in the workplace usually leads to apathy and hampers productivity. Dedicate some time and effort towards your goals, and let go of distractions. With your new knowledge and perspective, you can achieve great things. Devote yourself to something worthwhile, and lead by example. By taking action, you’ll inspire others to do the same. Create a movement devoted to making positive change.

Conclusion: How to Effectively Solve Conflict

Make a list of the values you stand for. Put it everywhere. Write it down, share it with others, and talk about it. Devotion is the opposite of distraction, so putting your list of “what I’m for” in front of you will help you focus on what’s important to you. The more aware you are of your goals, the more likely you are to achieve them.

Remember:

• There are six steps to becoming a person who overcomes conflict and adversity. Use these as a guideline and take action.
• Conflict should not be seen as a negative, but rather as an opportunity to grow. Being open to new perspectives allows you to lead and collaborate better. 
• Becoming a high-functioning leader starts with self-awareness. Once you know who you are and where you are, you can plan to get to where you want to go. 
• After you know yourself, you can start building the plan that will take you to your goals.