Solve Your Problems Face-to-Face

What Are We Talking About?

This week’s post is a shorter one, but it’s proven very important… In today's fast-paced, interconnected world, conflict arises more frequently than ever before. Whether it's at work, in our personal lives, or in society at large, disputes escalate quickly and cause harm to both individuals and communities. While there are many ways to address conflicts, deconflicting problems face-to-face is a critical piece of the puzzle that can lead to effective and sustainable resolutions!

Deconflicting face-to-face means bringing people together in-person and in the same room. This is even more important in a work with VTCs and phone calls replacing actual in-person meetings left and right. Conflict resolution is one of those areas that is still best face-to-face. There is something to be said for getting the parties involved in any type of dispute (anything from miscommunicating teams, arguing family members, etc.) together to discuss the issues and work towards a resolution.

This approach works: it allows individuals to communicate directly with each other, rather than relying on intermediaries who muddle the messages or technology where things like non-verbal information can get lost or misconstrued. The parties get to present issues from their perspective, allowing the other players to hear those concerns, and the in-person setting promotes the advancement of win-win scenarios. Lastly, it provides an opportunity for individuals to express and resolve their emotions, which can be an essential part of the resolution process. (Even in a work setting! We are all humans, after all.)

Outcomes & Advantages

One of the most significant outcomes from this type of face-to-face deconfliction is that it builds mutual understanding between those involved. When individuals meet in-person, they’re more likely to listen to each other and find common ground. They ask questions, clarify misunderstandings, and explore different perspectives. This all contributes to more creative solutions that address the underlying causes of the conflict, rather than just the symptoms!

Another advantage that comes from this type of conflict resolution is that it builds trust between parties. Like we mentioned before: when individuals meet in-person, they can see things that are missing from other forms of communication - such as each other's body language and facial expressions. Taking these cues into account during mediation can help to build rapport and empathy. This can be particularly important in situations where there is a history of mistrust or animosity between parties. By building trust, individuals are more likely to work together on a solution.

Finally, it creates a sense of ownership and responsibility for the final solution. When individuals work together to resolve a conflict, they are more likely to feel invested in the outcome. This can lead to more sustainable solutions that are more likely to be implemented and respected by all parties involved. Make the parties own their part of making the solution a reality!

Conclusion

Face-to-face deconfliction is an essential component of problem-solving that can lead to lasting change. By fostering mutual understanding, building trust between the sides, and creating a sense of community/ownership, this tool can help people address conflicts in a way that is respectful, collaborative, and effective. As we continue to navigate the complex challenges of our modern world, it's essential that we look for opportunities to foster face-to-face interactions in our daily lives.

Thanks for reading! Please let me know what you think. I respond to all comments personally.

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