This PDF is a practical guide to managing and resolving interpersonal and workplace conflict. It explains causes of conflict (differences in values, needs, perceptions), distinguishes healthy from unhealthy responses, and presents four core conflict-resolution skills (rapid stress relief; emotional awareness; nonverbal communication; humor/play) which combine into broader conflict-resolution ability. The guide includes listening strategies, fair-fighting ground rules, tips for handling disputes, related resources, and notes that conflict resolution is one of five emotional-intelligence skills. Sources and contributor credits (HelpGuide, University of Texas, University of Wisconsin) are listed.
Questions this document answers
Jeanne Segal, Ph.D.; Melinda Smith, M.A.; Jaelline Jaffe, Ph.D.
September 2009
The Counseling & Mental Health Center at The University of Texas at Austin; University of Wisconsin, Madison; Helpguide.org