Strategies For Conflict Resolution

"Conflict comes about from differences - in needs, values and motivations. Also, conflict is not a problem in itself - it is what we do with it that counts"( Conflict Resolution Network.).

I understand the place of relationship with families and I love to maintain good relationships with the families that we serve in our school. Because I have been privy to some families',  needs and sometimes, I am considered a confidant. Lately, one of the parents that we serve and who enjoys coming around withdrew conspicuously. I attempted to reach her and I felt like I was hitting a wall because she did not seem to budge. Last week, as I read through the resources for the week, I resolved to confront any issue that may be stifling our relationship. I did this based on our very good rapport before now, we were like families. On that note, I invited her for a dialogue and I was shocked at what she revealed as her reason for withdrawing. She referred to something I said that I was not even aware of that put her off to that extent.   

"A relationship operates like savings in the bank; whenever an issue arises, the parties can dip into their account of goodwill to help deal with it. Often not a discrete activity, bridge-building takes place all around us, sometimes without us even perceiving it" ( the third side) .

On dealing with the issue which began with discovering what was the reason for the withdrawal. There was no way I would have known what the issue was if we had not talked with each other.  The strategy I employed today is known as negociation.
"Negotiation, sometimes called “direct” or “unassisted” negotiation, refers to any dialogue involving two or more people in an effort to resolve a dispute or reach an agreement" (Association for Conflict Resolution). At the end of the day, i expressed my need for friendship and she expressed her need for  emotional support.
We both decided to put the past behind and forge ahead. We arrived at a solution that fully satisfied both sides of the issue, in a win-win manner. References
http://www.acrnet.org/Page.aspx?id=691

http://www.crnhq.org/pages.php?pID=12#skill_3

http://www.thirdside.org/roles.cfm