Resolving Conflict is a part of life. Negotiation is how conflicts are resolved. Hopefully, they can be resolved peacefully and to the satisfaction of both parties to the conflict. It is also part of any leaders skill set. Therefore, some of these blog postings will deal with ways a leader can help resolve conflicts.
I hope to provide useful information on:
- Know and articulate several ways that good leadership can minimize conflict.
- Understand how the acronym E.A.R. can be used as a tool for resolving conflicts (Express, Address, Resolve).
- Use several communications skills important for resolving conflicts
- Know negotiating skills to resolve conflicts for the benefit of all parties to the conflict.
All conflict resolution involves negotiation. Therefore as a starting point, let’s look at the definition and characteristics of negotiation.
What is Negotiation
Negotiation is a voluntary, non-binding bargaining process, in which the parties to a dispute attempt resolution among themselves. Often, agents of the disputing parties (their lawyers, real estate agents, accountants, and so forth), who are in actual communication with each other, are the negotiators. The actual disputing persons sometimes do not meet or participate in direct discussions until most, or all, of the dispute has been resolved.
Characteristics of Negotiation
The chief characteristics of negotiation are:
- Mutual Consent. Negotiation is voluntary. The parties cannot be compelled to negotiate or even negotiate in good faith. Negotiations cease when one party declines to continue.
- Successful Result is Enforceable. A negotiated settlement, usually memorialized in a written agreement, is as valid and enforceable as any common law contract.
- The parties and/or their agents are in personal contact with each other. A third party neutral is involved in negotiations.
- No statute or case law governs the process of negotiation. Some prefer to negotiate in person. Others use letters, e-mail, or telephone calls. Still others negotiate through agents or intermediaries.
- Negotiation is a process, taking place over time, as opposed to a single meeting or a brief exchange of correspondence.
- Negotiators share facts and arguments often in a disorganized manner. Negotiators posture and obfuscate, misstate the law, rail and threat and bluff, implore and cajole, and mix fact with fiction, exaggeration, and lies, during a series of back-and-forth communications.
- Negotiations are usually conducted in private. Publicity is anathema to a frank exchange of opinions, offers, and demands negotiations.
For an experienced Mediator to help negotiate a resolution to your dispute contact Ken Strongman. Here.
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