Conflict Tip #2 – Draw the problem

We don’t always “see” conflict the way that others do. As we turn problems over and over in our minds, we become familiar with our problem and our possible solutions, and we can miss opportunities for resolution that consider other perspectives. One way to disrupt this cycle is to put the problem down on paper. Draw, doodle, sketch – turning words into images can make the invisible visible and help us to actually “see” the issues. A drawing can help us illustrate how we understand our problem (and solutions), or how we interpret someone else’s problem (and solutions). This opens up opportunities to ask questions and clarify. Putting pencil/pen to paper is a key conflict coaching tool – and it works online too (just hold up the image to the camera)!