Creative Approaches for Conflict Resolution

Photo of multi colored lightbulbs on a flat surface - by Dstudio Bcn on Unsplash

​Conflict and communication issues often arise when we are doing meaningful change work. I recently facilitated a session with Oregon Mediation Association addressing one of the most common questions I hear from clients:

How can we respond and navigate these challenges?

Creative activities can help us build the essential skills to repair and foster relationships, connection and belonging.

• Our learned beliefs often influence our protective behaviors to get our needs met for safety, connection and belonging.
• This is challenging when operating within a white supremacy culture focused on disconnection, blaming, avoidance, right to comfort, entitlement, to name a few.
• Some antidotes include curiosity and play, engaging in discomfort and ongoing learning.
• Note there is a difference between feeling UNsafe and UNcomfortable.

3 tools for your conflict resolution toolkit:

1. Name something that’s true for you right now.
2. Brainstorm what works, what gets in the way?
3. Draw what success means to you.

Brainstorm ideas from the group:

What gets in the way?

• FEAR: rejection, abandonment, retribution, physical and psychological safety
• Discomfort, Uncertainty
• Concern about perception and reputation
• Feeling hurt, old wounds
• Risk of losing status and connection
• Worried about outcome
• Triggers, trauma, amygdala hijack

What makes it work?

• Hope, Curiosity
• Desire for change and connection
• Safe(r) space, being seen and heard
• Opportunity to understand another person and selves on a deeper level
• Confidence in our communication skills
• Emotional self-regulation and awareness

Try it on for size, keep what works, and leave the rest!
Have questions? Please contact me.

Originally published on LinkedIn on February 28, 2023
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/creative-approaches-conflict-resolution-michelle-helman/