Conflict Resolution

‘Conflict emerges when disagreements, differences, annoyances, competition, or inequities threaten something important.’
The Mediator’s Handbook by Jennifer E Beer
New Society Publishers

The potential for conflict is all around us, in the home and family, at work, in the local community and internationally. Every conflict involves people and personalities, but not every difference of opinion, dislike of someone, misunderstanding or cultural difference escalates into full-blown conflict.

From an outsider’s point of view many disputes seem trivial or irrational. But when the dispute involves you or your child, emotions run high and that dispute can turn into the most important thing in your life.

If conflict is allowed to intensify, it can spiral outwards affecting others; it can damage relationships, communities and entire organisations. Every action or lack of action by the ‘other side’ becomes suspect, and this in turn feeds the growing conflict.

Views can become more and more entrenched as people in conflict refuse to back down and become unable to listen to the other person’s point of view.

Mediation offers a way out of the conflict spiral. It offers a safe place, away from the conflict, where people can listen to each other without losing face, and calmly consider the options for moving forward.

If you think mediation may be able to help your conflict situation, why not contact us to find out more