Conflict Resolution

Conflict Resolution 

From time to time, conflicts may arise in the mentoring relationship. Open communication is key to resolving disputes and some suggestions for working through issues are below. If conflicts occur and you would like some assistance in resolving them, please inform WIE.

Reasons for conflict 

  • Contradicting expectations 

  • Control issues 

  • Incompatible personalities 

  • Lack of respect & listening 

How to raise the concerns

  • Think about the importance of bringing up the issue 

  • Potential impact of raising the concern 

  • Maintain open/honest communication 

  • Apologies for your wrong doings 

  • Think from their perspective 

  • Communicate what happened, how it made you feel 

How to listen to concern 

  • Address the issue when it occurs 

  • Be open to all points of view 

  • Depersonalize view the conflict as a solvable issue 

  • Clear about the plan to resolve the conflict 

  • Learn to listen 

  • Do not blame each other but be accountable for your actions

Remember, if you and your partner face compatibility challenges, please try to work through them. If you don’t seem to match up right away, please give it some time and try to find a common ground.

How to build trust: 

Behaviors that build trust 

Behaviors that destroy trust 
  • Proactive Listening Keeping Commitments Cooperating with others 
  • Actions reflect what you say
  • Reactions are non-judgmental 
  • Willing to admit mistakes and errors 
  • Actively seeking out different perspectives 
  • Encouraging of others 
  • Honestly Assessing the current situation 
  • Honoring and respecting confidentiality 
  • Not paying attention; being distracted (i.e. checking phones, answering emails.) 
  • Being unreliable/not dependable 
  • Doing it alone; unwilling to collaborate 
  • Saying one thing and doing another
  • Critical and judgmental reactions
  • Blaming others for mistakes
  • Operating with a closed mind 
  • Protective of “turf”; no encouragement of others to try new things 
  • Being unwilling to look at both sides of a situation 
  • Breaking confidentiality