Effective Communication Strategies For Conflict Resolution

Effective communication strategies for conflict resolution are the decisions you make before anyone speaks. They shape the outcome more than the wording does.

Timing. Not immediately after the incident, when both parties are defending, and not weeks later, when the account has been retold enough times to harden. Within a few days is usually right.

Channel. Difficult things go badly in writing, because tone is supplied by the reader and it is rarely generous. Talk first, then confirm what was agreed in writing.

Setting. Neutral ground. A manager’s office changes the conversation before it starts.

Framing. Open with the shared problem rather than with the grievance, and you get a different conversation from the first sentence onwards. It is the cheapest of the four to change and the one people most often get wrong.

Safe Work Australia covers the psychosocial duty. This is general information rather than legal advice.

See Sentrient’s conflict resolution course and conflict resolution articles.