No one actually likes conflict. But conflict is often the driving force of change. Change can be good and it can be what you need to end one chapter of your life in order to start another.
Here are some tips to tackle the conflict head:
- Address the problems early. The longer you have your head in the sand, the more time you waste and the greater chance you have of it spiralling out of control.
- Set up a time to talk in a private place, where you won’t be overheard or interrupted and try to resolve the issue one-on-one before involving others.
- Be specific. Talk about the specific issue and the effect it is having. Avoid pointing the finger and avoid delving into past issues.
- Focus on the outcome. Don’t focus on blame just focus on finding a solution to the problem.
- Listen to the other person’s opinions and ideas as you may actually find something that you agree on.
- Respond to let the other person know that you hear and understand what they are saying (even if you don’t necessarily agree on their opinion). People need to feel heard its human nature.
- Know when to walk away. If you feel yourself about to explode walk away immediately from the conversation and reconvene another day when you are calm.
- It is not about winning as there are no winners when it comes to Divorce and Separation so work out what you need and what you can live with before you negotiate.
So don’t stick your head in the sand to avoid conflict as some time later you will inevitably pop your head up and guess what, that problem will still be there…
When you feel that you have tried your best to reach agreement between yourselves but you just cant agree on everything call Family Mediation Station on 1300 491 777 to book in so that we can help you with the rest.
Life’s too short.
