To welcome in the new year, here at ACCORD, we will strive for the following conflict resolutions:
1. Continue the promotion of peaceful alternatives to conflict through mediation and other dispute resolution services, training, and advocacy.
Here at ACCORD, we strive to help individuals, families, and organizations come to sustainable solutions to issues involving communication. It is imperative that we as a community come together to support one another in our efforts to create a positive approach to handling conflict. As the sole Community Dispute Resolution Center in Broome and Tioga Counties, we can help community members improve various areas of contention whether with an individual or interpersonal conflict, a family conflict, or a conflict in the workplace. Our programs include:
- Assisted Senior Communication
- Conflict Coaching
- Community Mediation
- Community Training
- Divorce Mediation
- Division of Property Arbitration/Mediation
- Family Mediation
- Custody
- Visitation
- Child Support
- Parent/Teen
- Group Facilitation
- Lemon Law Arbitration
- Restorative Practices
- Small Claims Mediation
- Special Education & Early Intervention
- VESID (Vocational & Educational Services for Individuals with Disabilities)
2. Empower our clients to develop the tools needed for more constructive conflict conversations in order to mitigate disputes of any topic.
Effective communication and conflict resolution skills are priceless tools for any individual, family, or organization. Through our above programs, training, and advocacy, those within our communities may become more effective communicators. An individual can book a session with a trained Conflict Coach who can help guide them through the process of expressing the conflict, understanding their options, and mapping out a plan to address the problem. A family unit can take the opportunity to meet with our trained mediators to develop a parenting plan that is best for their needs, rather than a judge setting the plan for them. And a work or school group may choose to experience a restorative dialogue circle, increasing the opportunity for all participants to be heard, validated, and understood. With that being said, we will strive to help others resolve conflict in what we hope is the most constructive pathway, guided by the individual for the greatest level of self-determination.
Some useful tips for successful conflict management include:
- Accept that conflict will occur
- Identify the best time to talk in a safe space
- Clarify individual perceptions, emotions, and needs
- Practice active and empathetic listening
- Take a time-out from the conversation, if needed
- Generate options to develop a win-win outcome
3. To be more present and mindful with friends, family, and colleagues.
Listening is an essential component of communication. In the new year, we will strive to become better listeners. We can all improve our ability to effectively listen by focusing on the skills necessary to be a strong active listener. Through active listening, one should pay close attention to the individual speaking, listen without forming judgement or thinking of how the topic relates personally to oneself; reflect back the topics being mentioned, and then clarify, summarize, and share. If you can hone and apply these six strategies, you will become a better listener and more effective communicator.
For more information about ACCORD, please visit accordny.com.
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