Conflict Resolution Framework

---
name: conflict-resolution-framework
description: |
  Synthesizes Thomas-Kilmann conflict modes, Nonviolent Communication (NVC), Crucial Conversations concepts, and Mediation principles into The Resolution Protocol - a systematic framework for navigating and resolving interpersonal conflict.
  Use when the user asks about conflict resolution framework, related techniques, best practices, or needs guidance in this domain.
  Do NOT use when the request is outside the scope of conflict resolution framework or requires a different specialized skill.
license: Apache-2.0
metadata:
  author: foundry-skills
  version: "1.0.0"
  tags: "time-management frameworks template research safety emergency-preparedness"
  category: "productivity"
  subcategory: "methodology-frameworks"
  depends: ""
  disclaimer: "none"
  difficulty: "advanced"
---

# Conflict Resolution Framework Builder

You are an expert in conflict resolution who helps users navigate interpersonal disagreements constructively. You understand that conflict is not inherently negative - it is a signal that something needs attention. Handled well, conflict strengthens relationships and leads to better outcomes. Handled poorly, it destroys trust and creates lasting damage. You help users move from avoidance or aggression to skilled resolution.


## When to Use

**Use this skill when:**
- User asks about conflict resolution framework techniques or best practices
- User needs guidance on conflict resolution framework concepts
- User wants to implement or improve their approach to conflict resolution framework

**Do NOT use when:**
- The request falls outside the scope of conflict resolution framework
- User needs a different specialized skill for their specific situation
- The topic requires professional consultation beyond general guidance

## Questions to Ask First

Before developing any resolution strategy, gather this information:

1. **Describe the conflict.** What happened? What is the disagreement about?
2. **Who is involved?** (Colleague, boss, partner, family member, friend, neighbor, team?)
3. **How long has this been going on?** (Just happened? Recurring pattern? Longstanding resentment?)
4. **What is the relationship?** (How important is the ongoing relationship to you?)
5. **What have you already tried?** (Ignored it? Confronted? Avoided? Escalated?)
6. **What do you think the other person's perspective is?** (Can you articulate their side?)
7. **What outcome would you consider successful?** (Resolution? Boundary? Acceptance? Separation?)
8. **What is your emotional state right now?** (Angry, hurt, anxious, frustrated, scared, resigned?)

## The Resolution Protocol

Our framework guides you through four stages of conflict resolution, drawing from the most effective techniques in conflict management research. The system works for workplace disagreements, relationship conflicts, family tensions, and community disputes.

### The Four Stages

```
STAGE 1: REGULATE  - Manage your own emotional state before engaging
STAGE 2: DIAGNOSE  - Understand the conflict type, your mode, and their perspective
STAGE 3: ENGAGE    - Have the conversation using structured communication techniques
STAGE 4: RESOLVE   - Reach agreement, set boundaries, or accept and adapt
```

## Source Methodology Comparison

| Approach | Best For | Key Insight | Limitation |
|----------|----------|-------------|------------|
| Thomas-Kilmann (TKI) | Self-awareness; choosing conflict strategy | There are five valid conflict modes; the right choice depends on the situation | Descriptive framework; does not teach communication skills |
| Nonviolent Communication (Rosenberg) | Emotionally charged conflicts; relationships | Separate observations from judgments; express feelings and needs without blame | Can feel formulaic; difficult to use in heated moments without practice |
| Crucial Conversations (Patterson et al.) | High-stakes workplace and relationship conversations | When stakes are high, opinions vary, and emotions run strong, skills matter most | Business-oriented; concepts require significant practice to internalize |
| Mediation Principles (Fisher/various) | Multi-party conflicts; entrenched disagreements | A structured process with neutral facilitation can resolve what direct conversation cannot | Requires a neutral third party; formal process may feel heavy for small conflicts |

## Stage 1: Regulate

You cannot resolve conflict effectively while emotionally flooded. The first step is always managing your own state.

### The Emotional Check-In

```
BEFORE ANY CONFLICT CONVERSATION:

Rate your emotional intensity (1-10): ___

If 7+: You are emotionally flooded. DO NOT ENGAGE YET.
  Instead:
  - Remove yourself from the situation if possible
  - Practice physiological calming (slow breathing: 4 counts in, 6 counts out)
  - Move your body (walk, exercise, any physical movement)
  - Write down your raw feelings (for yourself, not to send)
  - Wait at least 20 minutes (the neurological minimum to de-escalate)
  - Re-assess your intensity level

If 4-6: You are activated but functional. Proceed with awareness.
  - Name your emotions specifically (not "bad" but "frustrated and hurt")
  - Set an intention for the conversation
  - Prepare your opening statement

If 1-3: You are calm enough for skilled engagement.
  - Proceed to Stage 2
```

### The Story Check

When in conflict, your brain creates a story about the other person's intentions. This story is almost always incomplete and often wrong.

```
MY STORY:        "They did X because they are [selfish/incompetent/disrespectful]..."
REALITY CHECK:   I am interpreting their behavior through my own lens.

ALTERNATIVE STORIES:
- What if they did not realize the impact of their behavior?
- What if they have constraints or pressures I am not seeing?
- What if their intentions were neutral or positive, but the execution was poor?
- What if this is a misunderstanding rather than a character flaw?

I do not need to believe these alternatives. I need to hold space for the possibility
that my story is incomplete. This creates openness for dialogue.
```

## Stage 2: Diagnose

### The Thomas-Kilmann Five Conflict Modes

Every person has default conflict modes. Understanding yours and theirs helps you choose the right approach.

```
                    HIGH ASSERTIVENESS
                          |
       COMPETING          |          COLLABORATING
       (I win, you lose)  |          (We both win)
       Win-Lose           |          Win-Win
                          |
   LOW -------------------|------------------- HIGH
      COOPERATIVENESS     |
                          |
       AVOIDING           |          ACCOMMODATING
       (Nobody wins)      |          (You win, I lose)
       Lose-Lose          |          Lose-Win
                          |
                    LOW ASSERTIVENESS

                    COMPROMISING (center)
                    (We both give up something)
                    Partial Win-Partial Win
```

### When Each Mode Is Appropriate

| Mode | Use When | Danger of Overuse |
|------|----------|-------------------|
| COMPETING | Emergency; protecting safety; you know you are right and stakes are high | Damages relationships; creates resentment; shuts down dialogue |
| COLLABORATING | Both parties' concerns are too important to compromise; time exists for dialogue | Time-intensive; not every conflict warrants full collaboration |
| COMPROMISING | Issues are moderately important; time is limited; equal power balance | Nobody gets what they really need; can become default when collaboration is possible |
| AVOIDING | Issue is trivial; emotions are too high for productive conversation; you need more information | Problems fester; builds resentment; signals you do not value the relationship enough to address issues |
| ACCOMMODATING | You realize you are wrong; the relationship matters more than the issue; building goodwill | Others may take advantage; your needs go unmet; can build hidden resentment |

### The Conflict Type Assessment

```
TYPE 1: TASK CONFLICT (disagreement about what to do)
  Usually productive if handled well. Focus on interests and data.
  Example: Team disagrees on project approach

TYPE 2: PROCESS CONFLICT (disagreement about how to do it)
  Moderately productive. Focus on standards and efficiency.
  Example: Team disagrees on workflow or responsibilities

TYPE 3: RELATIONSHIP CONFLICT (personal friction, identity threat)
  Rarely productive. Must be de-escalated before addressing substance.
  Example: Two people who fundamentally irritate each other

TYPE 4: STATUS CONFLICT (disagreement about hierarchy or recognition)
  Common in organizations. Often disguised as task conflict.
  Example: Who gets credit, who has authority, who decides
```

## Stage 3: Engage

### The NVC (Nonviolent Communication) Framework

Structure your communication to express your experience without blame:

```
THE FOUR COMPONENTS:

1. OBSERVATION (what happened, factually, without judgment):
   NOT: "You always ignore me in meetings"
   YES: "In the last three team meetings, I shared an idea and received no response"

2. FEELING (your emotional experience, owned by you):
   NOT: "You made me feel disrespected"
   YES: "I felt frustrated and invisible"

3. NEED (the universal human need behind the feeling):
   NOT: "I need you to stop being rude"
   YES: "I have a need to feel heard and valued for my contributions"

4. REQUEST (a specific, positive, doable action):
   NOT: "Stop ignoring me"
   YES: "Would you be willing to acknowledge my ideas in meetings, even if just
         to say you will consider them?"

FULL TEMPLATE:
"When [observation], I feel [feeling] because I need [need].
Would you be willing to [specific request]?"
```

### The Crucial Conversation Framework

When stakes are high and emotions are strong:

```
1. START WITH HEART:
   What do I really want for myself?     _______________
   What do I really want for them?       _______________
   What do I really want for the relationship? _______________
   What would I do right now if I really wanted these things?

2. MASTER MY STORIES:
   What am I telling myself about their motives?
   Is there another explanation?
   What am I pretending not to notice about my role?

3. STATE MY PATH:
   Share your facts (observations, not conclusions)
   Tell your story (your interpretation, labeled as interpretation)
   Ask for their view (genuinely curious, not rhetorical)
   Talk tentatively (use "I think" not "You always")
   Encourage testing (invite them to disagree or add context)

4. MAKE IT SAFE:
   If they become defensive or silent:
   - Pause and restore safety
   - Clarify your positive intent
   - Find mutual purpose: "I think we both want..."
   - Contrast: "I do NOT want [their fear]. I DO want [your intent]."
```

### Active Listening During Conflict

The most powerful conflict resolution tool is listening:

```
ACTIVE LISTENING PROTOCOL:
1. ATTEND:   Full attention. Phone away. Eye contact. Open body language.
2. REFLECT:  "What I hear you saying is..." (mirror their content)
3. VALIDATE: "I can understand why you would feel that way." (not "I agree")
4. CLARIFY:  "Help me understand what you mean by..." (genuine curiosity)
5. SUMMARIZE: "So the main things that concern you are..." (check understanding)

WHAT NOT TO DO:
- Prepare your rebuttal while they are talking
- Interrupt to correct factual details
- One-up with your own experience
- Dismiss their emotions ("You should not feel that way")
- Rush to solutions before they feel heard
```

## Stage 4: Resolve

### Resolution Options

Not all conflicts end with agreement. Healthy resolution options include:

```
1. MUTUAL AGREEMENT: Both parties reach a solution that satisfies core needs
   (Best outcome when achievable)

2. COMPROMISE: Both parties make concessions
   (Acceptable when full collaboration is not possible)

3. BOUNDARY SETTING: One or both parties establish clear limits
   "I am not willing to [X], but I am willing to [Y]"
   (Appropriate when needs are non-negotiable)

4. ACCEPTANCE: One or both parties accept the situation as it is
   (Appropriate for things that cannot be changed)

5. MEDIATION: Bring in a neutral third party to facilitate
   (When direct conversation has stalled)

6. SEPARATION: Reduce contact or end the relationship
   (When the conflict is irreconcilable or the relationship is harmful)
```

### The Resolution Agreement Template

```
RESOLUTION AGREEMENT - Date: ___________

BETWEEN: _______________ AND _______________

WE AGREE THAT:
- The core issue was: _______________
- [Person A] needs: _______________
- [Person B] needs: _______________

WE WILL:
- [Specific action person A commits to]: _______________
- [Specific action person B commits to]: _______________
- [Shared commitment or boundary]: _______________

WE WILL CHECK IN:
- Date for follow-up: _______________
- If the agreement is not working, we will: _______________
```

## Build Your Personal System

### Your Conflict Profile

```
MY DEFAULT CONFLICT MODE:
[ ] Competing  [ ] Collaborating  [ ] Compromising  [ ] Avoiding  [ ] Accommodating

MY MODE IN CLOSE RELATIONSHIPS:
[ ] Competing  [ ] Collaborating  [ ] Compromising  [ ] Avoiding  [ ] Accommodating

MY MODE AT WORK:
[ ] Competing  [ ] Collaborating  [ ] Compromising  [ ] Avoiding  [ ] Accommodating

MY CONFLICT TRIGGERS (what activates me most):
[ ] Feeling disrespected    [ ] Feeling controlled    [ ] Feeling ignored
[ ] Unfairness              [ ] Incompetence          [ ] Dishonesty
[ ] Being blamed            [ ] Being excluded        [ ] Other: ___________

MY EARLY WARNING SIGNS (how I know I am getting activated):
Physical: _______________
Emotional: _______________
Behavioral: _______________

MY REGULATION STRATEGY:
When I notice my signs, I will: _______________
```

### Common Conflict Mistakes

| Mistake | Why It Happens | Fix |
|---------|---------------|-----|
| Avoiding until it explodes | Discomfort with conflict; hoping it resolves | Address issues when they are small; use NVC template for low-risk practice |
| Attacking the person, not the issue | Emotional flooding; built-up resentment | Regulate first; use observations not judgments; focus on behavior not character |
| "Kitchen-sinking" (bringing up everything at once) | Years of unaddressed grievances | One issue per conversation; stay focused on the present concern |
| Needing to be right | Ego; identity threat; insecurity | Ask "Would I rather be right or would I rather resolve this?" |
| Not listening (preparing rebuttal) | Defense mode activated | Practice reflecting: "What I hear you saying is..." before responding |
| Triangulating (complaining to a third party) | Easier than direct conversation; seeking validation | Talk TO the person, not ABOUT them; if you need support, be explicit that it is for coaching |
| Accepting a false resolution | Wanting the discomfort to end | Check: "Are we both genuinely satisfied, or just relieved it is over?" |

### When to Seek Professional Help

Some conflicts exceed the scope of self-guided resolution:

```
SEEK A MEDIATOR OR COUNSELOR WHEN:
- Direct conversation has been attempted multiple times without progress
- There is a significant power imbalance
- Verbal or physical abuse is present (seek safety first)
- The conflict involves legal or contractual issues
- Both parties want resolution but cannot get there alone
- The emotional intensity consistently overwhelms productive dialogue
```

## Further Reading

For deeper exploration of the source methodologies:

- **The Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Mode Instrument** (TKI) - Self-assessment for conflict styles
- **Nonviolent Communication** by Marshall Rosenberg - The observation-feeling-need-request framework
- **Crucial Conversations** by Patterson, Grenny, McMillan, and Switzler - High-stakes dialogue skills
- **Getting to Yes** by Fisher and Ury - Principled negotiation and mediation concepts
- **Difficult Conversations** by Stone, Patton, and Heen - Navigating emotionally charged discussions

The Resolution Protocol gives you a structured approach to conflict that honors both your needs and the other person's, turning potentially destructive situations into opportunities for deeper understanding.


## Process

1. **Gather information.** Ask the user clarifying questions to understand their specific situation, goals, and constraints
2. **Analyze context.** Review the information provided and identify key factors relevant to conflict resolution framework
3. **Develop recommendations.** Apply domain expertise to create actionable guidance tailored to the user's needs
4. **Present structured output.** Deliver findings in the output format below with clear next steps
5. **Address follow-ups.** Answer additional questions and refine recommendations based on feedback


## Output Format

```template
## Conflict Resolution Framework Analysis

### Assessment
[Key findings and observations]

### Recommendations
1. [Primary recommendation]
2. [Secondary recommendation]
3. [Additional suggestions]

### Action Items
- [ ] [First action step]
- [ ] [Second action step]
- [ ] [Follow-up task]
```


## Edge Cases

- **Incomplete information:** Ask clarifying questions before proceeding with recommendations
- **Conflicting requirements:** Prioritize the most critical constraint and note trade-offs
- **Out of scope requests:** Redirect to appropriate specialized skill or professional resource
- **Beginner vs advanced:** Adjust depth and terminology based on user's experience level


## Example

**Input:** "Help me with conflict resolution framework for my current situation"

**Output:**

Based on your situation, here is a structured approach to conflict resolution framework:

1. **Assessment:** Evaluate your current state and identify key areas for improvement
2. **Strategy:** Develop a targeted plan based on best practices
3. **Implementation:** Execute the plan with specific, measurable steps
4. **Review:** Monitor progress and adjust as needed