Defuse the Emotion in a Conflict

When you're in conflict, your cortisol levels will be high and your emotions will be peaking. You may be furious, envisaging your opponent as a horrible person. Recognizing and managing one's emotions is essential in order to begin understanding the other person's perspective. Try asking questions to understand why the other person is angry. Show some compassion for their perspective. If necessary, take time out before reconvening. Seek to resolve the conflict, taking turns to listen and talk with each other, rather than choosing avoidance. These help with defusing the original emotions.

• Defuse the emotion in a conflict rather than maintain a negative view of the other party.
• Recognize what's happening in ourselves.
• Ask questions to understand why the other is angry  discuss openly and listen.
• Show some compassion for their perspective (don't bite back).
• If need be, take time out before reconvening.
• Seek resolution, taking turns to listen and talk with each other.