The importance of an accurate diagnosis for the solution

The analogy of the doctor and the root of the problem

Just as a doctor needs an accurate diagnosis before prescribing treatment, in conflict resolution it is essential to understand the nature of the problem before acting.

If you don't know what kind of conflict you are facing and what the underlying cause is, you will most likely use the wrong strategy, which will not only not solve the situation, but make it worse.

Not all conflicts are the same, so they cannot all be resolved in the same way.

Trying to resolve a conflict of values with a strategy based on power or imposition is as useless as treating an infection with a bandage.

In this case, the correct approach is not to win, but to achieve mutual understanding and respect.

On the other hand, a conflict of interest, which is a competition for limited resources, can be effectively resolved through negotiation, seeking an agreement that benefits both parties.

The lack of an accurate diagnosis can lead to an escalation of tension because the solutions we propose do not address the root of the problem.

This makes the parties feel misunderstood and frustrated, which perpetuates a cycle of hostility.

Therefore, the first step is always to make a correct diagnosis of the conflict before proposing a solution.

Only by identifying the type of conflict you are facing can you choose the most appropriate tool to deal with it, rather than resorting to a generic approach that could be counterproductive.

From Behavior to Interpretation: Eliminating Misunderstandings

Accurate diagnosis also involves the ability to differentiate between a person's behavior and our interpretation of that behavior.

In a conflict, we often confuse someone's actions with our assumptions about their intentions, which creates misunderstandings and exacerbates the problem.

For example, a comment may be interpreted as offensive, when the actual intent was neutral or even constructive.

Effective diagnosis forces you to separate the facts from your perceptions, challenging your initial interpretations to consider whether there are other ways of looking at the other person's behavior.

To accomplish this, it is critical to observe the behavior objectively, without adding subjective meaning to it.

Next, you must communicate your concerns clearly and focus on observable behaviors, rather than on your interpretations.

Asking the other person to clarify his or her behavior and explain his or her intentions, rather than making assumptions, can eliminate misunderstanding and open the way to mutual understanding.

Most conflicts stem from a misinterpretation, and clarifying it