Don’t argue about who is right or wrong
DO explore each other’s stories. There is no truth – only perception
Don’t assume you have all the facts
DO be curious to find out what you might not know
Don’t blame
DO find out how each of you contributed to the conflict, and determine what can be done differently by both sides to avoid the issue escalating again
Don’t judge
DO try to stay open-minded
Don’t assume they meant it or had bad intentions
DO disentangle intent from impact – look at it separately. Inquire about their intentions and reflect upon yours
Don’t ignore the impact someone else’s behavior has on you
DO explain how the action made you feel without blaming the other person
Don’t get defensive if the other party makes accusations
DO listen past the accusations for the feelings
Don’t ignore or hide your feelings and avoid venting
DO describe your feelings carefully – express them without judging, attributing or blaming (start with “I feel…”)
Don’t ignore the other person’s feelings
DO acknowledge their feelings
Don’t focus solely on getting your point across
DO be a persistent listener. Listen from the inside out and give feedback on what you have heard
Don’t make statements disguised as questions
DO ask clarifying and open-ended questions starting like this: Do you believe that …?
What do you mean by …?
What caused you to …?
What stopped you from …?
Don’t exaggerate by saying “Always” and “Never”
DO give the other person room to change
support@edutrav.org
(503) 222-9803 in Portland
(877) 222-9803 Toll Free
Fax: (503) 227-7224
1029 SW Washington Street Portland, OR 97205