Handling Difficult Conflicts requires a process that sets you up for success. Difficult conflicts require a preplanned approach with deliberate steps.

6 Steps for Handling Difficult Conflicts

1. Preplan
2. Set the Tone
3. Actively Listening
4. Check for Understanding
5. State Your Needs
6. Seek Agreement

Managing difficult conflicts can be quite challenging. In order to be effective, leaders need to continuously upgrade their conflict management skills. The area of difficult, highly charged, and/or intractable conflicts often needs work even for the most assertive leaders.