Blog: Conflict Resolution 101

Among the communication skills students will need to develop before they enter the workplace relate to Conflict Resolution and Workplace Return on Investment. 

The components of Conflict Resolution include calmness, awareness of the five-minute rule, and an exit strategy, while the 10 components of Workplace ROI include such basics as discipline, faith and homework and silent communicators such as volunteerism, process and mentorship. 

The components of Conflict Resolution are built into three memorable acronyms that are accompanied by one-word reminders.  Here is an example of an acronym that can be used to maintain harmony in the family:  CALM, C=Consequences, A=Awareness, L=Listen, M=Mature.  When a conflict is brewing within the family it is important to remember that if the conflict is allowed to fester and erupt, there will be Consequences. So Awareness of what is occurring moment by moment is created by Listening more than speaking, and the conflict will be resolved with a Mature response leading to an exit strategy.  Understanding the role of the 5-minute rule in conflict resolution is perhaps most critical to a successful result.  The rule is this:  within 5 minutes of the moment you allow a conflict to erupt into an emotional free-for-all, you will regret what you said or did for the rest of the day, the rest of the year, or for the entirety of your life.

Next time we will introduce another acronym and we will also begin to expand on the all-important topic of Workplace ROI.  

Blogger Al Betz is the co-creator of "You Are Here . . . Now What?" a leadership program for middle school and high school students.  He can be reached at 410-365-0742.