Conflict Resolution

The potential for conflict exists in the context of community and regional development as in all situations when there may be:

1.  competing interests or goals;
2.  different ideas about methods of reaching goals; or
3.  incomplete understanding or hidden personal feelings.

In order to manage and resolve conflict all parties need to:

• Recognize and acknowledge that it exists.
• Facilitate open, accurate communication and active listening.
• Maintain an objective, not emotional, stance; stay on the issues, not people.
• Find the common interests and goals so everybody wins something.
• Make the necessary adjustments, reinforce, confirm, make the agreement work.
• Remember that conflicting ideas lead to stronger, more effective groups.