Step 1: Acknowledge & Define the Problem

Activities:

• Conduct an initial case assessment to gain a detailed understanding of the conflict or dispute.
• Identify the parties involved (e.g., domestic partners, organization members, transactional disputes).
• Define the nature of the conflict (e.g., personal grievance, group grievance, policy or practice disagreement, directional conflict).
• Assess the urgency and stakeholder impact of the dispute.

Importance:
The completion of this step provides an overview of the problem, allowing the conciliator to determine viable resolution options and the most appropriate conciliation approach.

Step 2: Establish an Environment of Calm and Mutual Respect

Activities:

• Set clear ground rules to ensure productive discussions.
• Define roles and responsibilities of all parties involved.
• Emphasize principles of impartiality and confidentiality.
• Encourage active listening and respectful communication.

Importance:
A structured and respectful environment minimizes defensiveness and hostility, allowing parties to engage openly and work toward a constructive resolution.

Step 3: Investigate the Origins, Sources, and Details of the Conflict

Activities:

• Give all parties the opportunity to present their position, supporting evidence, and perspectives.
• Encourage each party to express their views on the root cause or hidden issues.
• Allow each party to articulate what they perceive as a fair outcome and their reasoning behind it.
• Analyze statements for consistencies and discrepancies.

Importance:
This step provides the conciliator with a deeper understanding of the dispute and helps identify whether parties are aligned on key issues or significantly divided.

Step 4: Clarify Misunderstandings and Address Inconsistencies

Activities:

• Offer parties an opportunity to clarify misunderstandings or perceived inconsistencies in their narratives.
• Gather and assess any additional relevant information or evidence.
• Facilitate open discussions to bridge gaps in understanding.

Importance:
By addressing discrepancies early, this step ensures that the foundation for resolution is based on shared facts rather than misinterpretations or assumptions.

Step 5: Identify and Establish Common Ground or a Shared Solution Objective

Activities:

• Pinpoint areas of agreement between the parties.
• Define common interests, needs, and priorities that can serve as a foundation for resolution.
• Encourage a collaborative mindset by emphasizing shared goals rather than differences.

Importance:
Common ground is essential for fostering cooperation. Establishing a shared objective helps shift the focus from conflict to resolution.

Step 6: Identify and Evaluate Potential Solution Options

Activities:

• Encourage both parties to propose potential solutions.
• Assess the feasibility and fairness of each proposed option.
• Facilitate a negotiation process that balances interests and concerns.
• Ensure that any proposed resolution is practical, sustainable, and agreeable to all parties.

Importance:
This step ensures that the resolution is not only fair but also realistic and sustainable, reducing the likelihood of recurring conflict.

Step 7: Confirm Mutual Agreement & Establish Follow-Up Measures

Activities:

• Document the final agreement in clear, concise terms.
• Ensure that all parties acknowledge their responsibilities in implementing the resolution.
• Set up follow-up checkpoints to assess adherence to the agreement and address any emerging concerns.

Importance:
Finalizing the agreement solidifies the resolution and reinforces accountability, ensuring long-term effectiveness and preventing future disputes.