Development Cooperation Handbook/Guidelines/Four Basic Steps for Resolving Conflict

Steps and Tools


When you are in a conflict situation, there are four steps you can follow to more easily navigate the resolution process.

  1. Step 1: Share your Perceptions. Tell the other person what happened. Explain, don’t blame. Just state the facts.
  2. Step 2: Explain Ramifications. Tell the other person how you feel about what happened.
  3. Step 3: Establish Fresh Ground. Tell the other person what you would like to have happen in the future or how you would like the situation to be different.
  4. Step 4: Ask & Listen. Ask the other person to share her/his experience and listen attentively.