Do You Have a Problem?
How do you solve a conflict or problem with another person?
Goal:
Goal:
Read the two conflicts below and think about ways you might resolve them.
Scenario 1
Scenario 2
Sarah and Tommy want to play different games. They have been arguing about what game they should play.
Question: How can you resolve the conflict?
One possible way to resolve this conflict is for them to play both games. First, play the game Sarah wants to play. Then play the game Tommy wants to play. Or switch and start with Tommy's game and then play Sarah's game. An easy way to choose which game to play first would be to flip a coin.
Sarah is mad that Tommy cut in front of her in line. Tommy said he was there first.
Question: How can you resolve the conflict?
One possible way to resolve this is to compromise. If both sides think differently and no one admits to being wrong, agree to compromise and start over. One way to choose who will be in front is to draw numbers. Whoever gets number one is in front. The person who loses can be in front the next time.
Look at the strategies below for helping resolve conflicts. Some work better than others, but the end goal is the same--resolve the conflict.
- Compromise ‒ Both sides give up something to come to an acceptable solution.
- Collaborate ‒ Use ideas from both sides to find an acceptable solution.
- Avoid ‒ Ignore the conflict in hopes that it will be resolved on its own over time without discussing it.