The following is an excerpt from...
5 Ways to De-Escalate a Conflict
by Johnnie Cain, Lead Management Consultant |
The time will come when a problem with someone will need to be addressed. Don't wait too long to acknowledge that a problem exists--the earlier a problem is confronted, the easier it is to solve. Choose a time and a place to meet with the other person, and keep the following ideas in mind when meeting:
- Keep your focus on what can be done in the future. REMEMBER: What's done is done.
- Each person should take turns speaking. Listen carefully to the facts, and to the other person's feelings.
- Resist the urge to bring more issues into the discussion, REMEMBER: You can take up another issue later.
- Personal attacks and blame will only distract from solving the problem, REMEMBER: The problem is your enemy--not each other.
- Be prepared to describe your feelings only and your impression of the facts of the situation. Don't speak for or about others.
Region X TASC, Early Childhood Education Training Center, Portland State University, PO Box 1491, Portland, OR 97207. (503) 725-4815
