Self-Control: The Secret to Avoiding and Resolving Conflict

Self-control is the cornerstone of successful conflict management, with self-management being the primary skill for conflict resolution.

The ability to control one's emotions, especially intense feelings such as anger or frustration, is the first and most crucial step in preventing a disagreement from escalating into a major confrontation.

It is important to clarify that self-control does not involve suppressing emotions, but rather being aware of them so that a thoughtful response can be chosen over an impulsive reaction.

By remaining calm and composed, you can avoid escalating the situation and maintain a civilized negotiation.

A classic example from professional life that illustrates the lack of self-control is the situation where someone arrives at a hotel after a long day at work and is informed that there is no room reserved in his or her name.

Instead of remaining calm and negotiating with the person at the front desk, an impulsive reaction could lead to unnecessary conflict with the only person who could help.

Conversely, with self-control, you can enlist the help of the receptionist to find a solution, such as a room at a nearby hotel.

Self-control is not only essential to prevent a conflict from starting, but also to de-escalate and reverse it if it has already begun.

It is the key to confronting someone with whom your relationship has broken down and assertively stating that you want to fix it.

Therefore, self-control is the ultimate secret to conflict management.

Summary

Self-control is the cornerstone of successful conflict manage