Using the Win-Win Conflict Style to Solve Interpersonal Problems

One of the best ways of resolving conflicts is by using the win-win conflict style. This conflict style is used the least for several different reasons which are:

• Lack of awareness: A lot of people confuse winning requires a defeat of their opponent
• Conflicts are often emotional situations in which people react as if in combat without stopping to think of the better alternatives
• Win-win solutions require the other person's cooperation: It is a hard matter to negotiate constructively with others who insist on trying to defeat you. In these situations a person's best persuasive skills consists of explaining how working together will provide a better solution that is most likely to satisfy all concerned
In spite of the above challenges, using the win-win conflict style to resolve consults is still the better choice.

Method of increasing your chances of being able to handle conflicts in a win-win manner is:

• Identify your problem and unmet needs
• Make a date: After you gain a clear idea of the problem approach the person or persons concerned with a request to try and solve it
• Describe your problem and needs
• Consider your partner's point of view
• Negotiate a solution
• Follow up the solution

Of course the above method is easier said than done. However, this is the basic outline of solving conflict using the more effective conflict style of win-win. Your goal in conflict should be to solve the conflict constructively in a way that everyone comes out a winner and no one is left on the ground gasping for air and breath of life. Be patient and try to trust the pattern. Win-win solutions are not always possible. In these cases a process of negotiation has to include some compromises.