workplace solutions

Avoiding a Difficult Conversation? 5 Suggestions to Make Conflict a Constructive Experience

Avoidance is a common response to dealing with conflict. It makes sense really, it’s the brain’s way of keeping us safe. Conflict sets off our stress response system (you’ve probably heard of this as fight, flight, freeze, or please), which has major implications for how we proceed in the situation. The problem with avoiding a conflict is that it’s typically a short-term solution, and may make things worse in the long run. It has more of a chance of getting worse than it does going away, so the sooner we undertake the conversation, the sooner we can come to a resolution.

Do It Yourself Conflict Resolution – A Webinar with CharityVillage (video)

Conflict is inevitable, but you can respond to it in a constructive way. In this presentation for CharityVillage, Sarah explains the 6 challenges of difficult conversations, constructive and destructive behaviours in conflict, the mediation framework, and how psychological health and safety can help reduce conflict in the workplace.

Six Challenges of Difficult Conversations

Some conversations are more difficult than others, and there are generally six reasons this is the case. Understanding where your challenges lie is a helpful first step in making the conversation easier. We can’t avoid conflict, but we can look at the source of the difficulty to help find more productive responses to get it resolved.

First time going to mediation? Here’s what you need to know.

Mediation is a facilitated negotiation and first step in conflict resolution typically recommended before further litigation. The mediator plays an important role in helping the parties understand each other’s interests and helps them generate options to come to an agreement on how to move forward.