CONFLICT RESOLUTIONHow to work through conflicts without making a bigger mess!

What is conflict?

Have you ever had a conflict with someone?How did you respond?

Example a of Conflict:Is this the right way to

handle conflict?

What about this conflict? Is this a good way to settle a

disagreement?

What are some other things we can do to make a conflict worse?•Gossip•Ignoring the problem

If we know what can make conflicts worse, how do we resolve conflicts?

Sometimes, it is just this easy!

4 Easy Steps to Resolve a Conflict•Step 1: Take a break! Before doing anything else, do something to help you relax if you are feeling upset.

•Step 2: Calmly discuss the conflict.•Step 3: Find ways that you can resolve the conflict.

•Step 4: Decide on a solution.

Step 1: Take a break! Before doing anything else, do something to help you relax if you are feeling upset. This might mean taking some time by yourself.

Step 2: Calmly discuss the conflict. With the person you are having a conflict with, find a time that is good to talk about the problem. Everyone should have a chance to express how they see things. Even if you think that you are right, listen to the other person and try to understand their perspective.

LET’S ACT IT OUT!

Step 3: Find ways that you can resolve the conflict.•Offer solutions to the problem.

•Can you do something to help make things better?

LET’S ACT IT OUT!

Step 4: Decide on a solution.•Sometimes this will be easy.

Example: Turning down your music while your roommate is sleeping.

•Sometimes this will not be so easy. The solution may be a compromise.

Example: Deciding when it is okay to have company over.

Let’s Review!•Step 1: Take a break! Before doing anything else, do something to help you relax if you are feeling upset.

•Step 2: Calmly discuss the conflict.

•Step 3: Find ways that you can resolve the conflict.

•Step 4: Decide on a solution.

Test Your Knowledge!Imagine that you and the person you are dating disagree about what movie to watch. You really hate watching action movies and find yourself getting mad that they insist on watching an action movie…

What do you do?Tell them how much you hate action movies!…orTake a few deep breaths to relax before doing or saying anything.

Good Try!Even though you may really hate action movies, it is always a good idea to make sure you’re calm before you start discussing a conflict!

Try Again!

GREAT JOB!You are on the way to resolving the conflict!

Go to the Next

Question

Test Your Knowledge!Imagine that you came up with a really great idea for a class speech you want to give about your favorite leader, Nelson Mandela. You tell a classmate about it and, without telling you, they take your idea. After you have a chance to calm down, what do you do first?

What do you do first?Should you…Calmly explain to your classmate that you had planned on doing your speech on Nelson Mandela.Or…Tell your professor that your idea was stolen.

Good Try!Even though the professor might be able to help you solve the conflict, you should always look for solutions with the person you are having a disagreement with.

Try Again!

GREAT JOB!You are on the way to resolving the conflict!

Go to the Next

Question

Test Your Knowledge!What is the best way to solve a conflict?Talk to your friends about how mad you are at the person you are having a conflict with.Or…Work together with the person you are mad at to solve your problem.

GREAT JOB!You are on the way to resolving the conflict!

Go to the end of

the lesson

Good Try!Sometimes our friends can help us find solutions for the problem, but oftentimes, we end up gossiping about the one we are mad at instead of working towards a solution.

Try Again!

Congratulations!!You’ve reached the end of this lesson on conflict resolution!There is much more to know about the topic. If you are ever unsure of how to solve a conflict, before gossiping or ignoring it, find someone like a resident mentor or a social mentor who can help you figure out what to do.