Adopting a win/win approach to relationship conflict

Relationship conflict is easier to create than to resolve, put another way, the time it takes to create conflict is shorter that the time it takes to resolve the conflict. Relationship conflict can occur when the following are present:

• Strong negative emotions.
• Misperceptions or misunderstandings.
• Poor communication.
• Repetitive negative behaviours.

Having an understanding of the unproductive strategies for dealing with conflict and how they can escalate, delay, and possibly destroy relationships can help us to become aware that these usually involve emotional responses which are likely to fuel disputes. Below are examples of unproductive strategies:

• Avoidance
• The use of Force
• Blaming the…