The 6-Step Approach to Conflict Resolution

The 6-Step Approach to Conflict Resolution

Have you seen this 2011 commercial for Florida Orange Juice? Imagine if you could be forewarned at the beginning of the day what problems you were going to face – and that you’d be prepared to face those problems because you were equipped with your Florida Orange Juice. This 6-step approach to conflict resolution is like having Florida Orange Juice. When you have these steps down, you’ll be prepared to face the problems that will be thrown your way during the day. When a behavior situation arises which requires the adult to take action, work through these six steps and the conflict can be resolved much smoother.

Approach calmly. If the adult yells at the child or is overly frustrated, the situation will only become worse. Acknowledge feelings. Allow youth to have their emotions. Let them know it is okay to be angry or frustrated. Gather information. Instead of assuming you know what the problem is, let the youth explain it to you in their own words. Restate the problem. After the youth has explained the problem, repeat back to them what you understand to have happened from what they’ve told you. Ask for solutions. Get the youth’s ideas on what should be done to resolve the problem. Follow-up with support. When you and the youth have agreed on a workable solution, give them a chance to implement it and then ask them afterwards how they felt about it.

Adapted from the Reframing Conflict (2011) workbook (pages 7, 11), which is part of the Youth Work Methods Series produced by the David P. Weikart Center for Youth Program Quality, a division of the Forum for Youth Investment.