LEARNING TO RESOLVE CONFLICTS PRODUCTIVELY

Conflicts occur in a wide variety of situations from personal to political. How do we resolve conflicts in reasonable and effective ways? A method known as Constructive Controversy utilizes deliberative discussions to creatively solve problems. It is contrasted to debate which is a competitive process that often creates winners and losers. This process is designed to create consensus for all parties involved in the conflict. When presented with a problem people usually form an initial conclusion and supporting rationale. However, they come to doubt their point of view when another stronger position is presented which creates a serious dilemma for the individual. They begin to experience confusion and often are unable to resolve this challenge. But we know that working together is quite helpful to find practical and usual solutions to any conflict. A managed process however is best if it is designed to facilitate the potential emotional energy that conflict creates. This Constructive Controversy process is indeed designed to provide all parties with useful ways to look at multiple points of view and eventually conclude which ideas are the best solutions to the conflict at hand. This paper will present the 14 steps for the Constructive Controversy and will give examples of it use. Participants will be able to immediately put the process in place for any situation from work place to classrooms to personal situations. With practice this Constructive Controversy process can be used with almost anyone in any situation that has conflict.