Time management strategies can be a challenge to implement sometimes, and when everyone isn’t on the same page, you need to call on your conflict resolution skills along with your time management tools. Keep in mind, too, that the conflicts you experience may not always be external. If you are ambivalent about a task or project, this, too, is a conflict that needs to be resolved.

Any way you look at it, strong conflict resolution skills will free up enormous amounts of your time.

So, how much of your time do you spend locked in circular dialogue with friends, family, co-workers, or yourself? And how frustrating and draining do you find this? Wouldn’t you love to change it?

That’s the really good news: You can reclaim that time, sort out your time priorities, clarify your relationships, and reduce your stress … in just 7 steps!

Time Management & Conflict Resolution – It’s About Timing and Communication! Are you ready to get started on a new path? Here are the 7, simple-but-powerful steps to get you from here … to there. (And remember, it’s the journey that’s important!)

1. Dedicate a small notebook for information gathering. This isn’t just important because you’ll need if for keeping track. It’s also important because it makes your intention concrete. You’re telling yourself that you’re serious about this.

2. For the next few days, simply document. Again … no shame or judgment here! If you bring a critical eye to your information-gathering, you won’t be open with yourself.

So, you’ll want to let yourself be aware of the conversations that feel habitual and frustrating. Examples include arguing with your teenager about doing dishes or giving your partner unsolicited (and unwelcome) advice about an issue with a co-worker. Then, think about the following (and jot some notes about what you discover):

o When do the problems occur? (Is it when you’re already upset about something? When people first walk in the door?)
o How do you view your role in relation to the person you’re interacting with?
o How do you think he or she sees your role?
o Are there any patterns that you notice?

Remember, judgment or criticism will stifle your observations. Think of yourself as conducting research - like a scientist.

3. Do less, not more! This all about disengaging. You may care deeply about the issue, but remind yourself that circular conversations go nowhere. When tempers flare or dialogue gets stuck, that’s your signal that it’s time to take a step back and survey the situation. You needn't choose between “giving in” or “backing down.” You can simply say, "I'd like to give this more thought. I'll get back to you later."

4. Schedule a follow-up session. The best course is to set this up cooperatively. Choose a time when everyone can be relatively relaxed and focused. See this as an opportunity to collaborate on mutually satisfactory solutions.

5. Do your homework beforehand As you prepare, actively empathize with the other person's vantage point as well as clarifying your own. Are there win-win solutions? Where are you willing to compromise? Write this down.

6. Negotiate. Begin by checking in. Underscore your interest in finding a solution that works for everyone. Share your best understanding of the other person’s perspective and invite clarification. Be sure to listen!

7. Be prepared to compromise. The goal is to arrive at something the two of you can live with, so keep expectations of getting your own way to a minimum.

Then, when all’s said and done, be sure to validate and reward yourself! By letting go and following these 7 Simple Steps, you have accomplished 4 goals (rather than hanging on and failing to meet your one frozen, conflicted goal!
Your 4 Completed Goals:

Effective time management: Coming to resolution means you can move forward faster.
Enhanced communication skills: Active listening and stepping away from power struggles make for more productive communication.

Reduced Stress: Letting go and accepting what evolves cooperatively allows you to move through life with more ease.

Conflict resolution: As you transition from a win-lose to a win-win approach, you reach agreements that leave both parties satisfied.

So, what are other ways that you can enhance your communication skills, time management strategies, and overall productivity and success?

To increase your conflict resolution and time management skills, sign up for our free gift, "The New Finding Time Boundary Template: 9 Simple, Sequential Steps to Find More Time and Recharge Your Energy!" at http://optimize.thetimefinder.com/templatesg/

This time template will help you move beyond overwhelm, disappointment, and frustration. Using a workbook format, with room to record your answers, you will discover that 24 hours really are enough!

Offered by Paula Eder, Ph.D. The Time Finder Expert.

Author's Bio: 

Paula Eder, PhD, the SelfGrowth.com Official Guide to Time Management, is an internationally-known coach and published author who mentors spirit-driven solopreneurs and small business owners to align their core values and energy with their time choices and behaviors so that they can make more money, create more freedom, and find more time.

Living on a working farm in rural New Hampshire, Paula's connection with time is as organic, spiritual, and down-to-earth practical as the vitality and resiliency of the seasons. From her base in New Hampshire she has maintained a thriving coaching practice for the past 35 years; is a Certified Coach in Kendall Summerhawk's Money Breakthrough Method™ Program; and is a certified graduate of the Vanguard class of the Authentic Happiness Coaching Program conducted by Martin E. P. Seligman, PhD and Ben Dean, PhD.

Her Heart-Based Time Management System helps busy people just like you develop the skills to make authentic time choices that lead to work success, personal growth, vibrant health, and an ever-deepening relationship with yourself and those you love.

To learn more about Paula's unique, Heart-Based Time Management System and begin your transformational journey, sign up for her Finding Time Success Kit. Discover how you can find time for what matters most.

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