The Business Approach to Conflict Resolution
A New Way to Communicate
Separating parents can often find it difficult to detach themselves from their negative emotions and assumptions about the other parent. This can cause the separation to be longer and much more difficult for the parties involved. So, what’s the main culprit causing all this conflict? Poor communication. A successful tool that I have used to help parents experiencing conflict in separation is the business approach to conflict resolution. Learning to communicate with this framework is a constructive way to communicate more effectively.
Incorporating a business approach in communication introduces a tool that helps parents set clear boundaries that can be defined and agreed upon; promoting co-parenting success. The goal is not to stifle the parents in any way, but rather encourage them to treat this new frontier as a business relationship. All successful business relationships have a few key things in common such as clear, written agreements and a lack of emotional attachment.
Using these during a serious conflict helps both parties come out on the other side feeling more confident about the decisions made and the future.
The other keys to a business relationship include:
- a lack of assumptions
- clear + written agreements
- a lack of emotional attachment
- no expectation of approval or emotional support
- a private life
- discussions focused on business
- formal arrangements
- specific agendas
- politeness, courtesy + goodwill
When parents learn these constructive ways of communicating they experience better resolutions and, more importantly, treat each other with respect and dignity. This can reduce tension between parents which can have an extremely positive impact on the children. When children see parents communicating respectfully it in-turn gives them a sense of safety and predictability. The business approach to conflict resolution is one of the many teaching tools TCM Mediation Studio utilizes in its practice to help families learn to communicate more effectively.
Every situation is different. This blog post is not intended to provide legal advice. Contact us for further help on your unique parental dispute.
Artwork by Megan Hewson. View her work at https://www.instagram.com/megheworiginals/