Conflict resolution
"Most of the issues are as a result of differences in opinions and therefore having mechanisms to resolves differences professionally together with mutual respect is useful and progressive. "
Rose Ndolo – National Nutrition Coordinator, World Vision Kenya. SUN CSA Kenya.
Outlining the principles by which conflicts will be resolved early on will help to ensure there is a framework for tackling any disputes at a later stage as well as building trust and mutual accountability. There are many guidelines on how best to undertake conflict resolution but some initial useful principles are outlined below [1]:
• Prioritise good relationships: Treat everyone with mutual respect. Agree to remain constructive under pressure.
• Keep people and problems separate: By separating the problem from the person, real issues can be debated without damaging working relationships.
• Listen first; talk second: To solve a problem effectively you have to understand where the other person is coming from before defending your own position.
• Set out the scene: Agree and establish the objective, observable elements that will have an impact on the decision.
• Explore options together: Be open to the idea that a third position may exist, and that you can get to this idea jointly.
[1] Adapted from http://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newLDR_81.htm