The Professional Woman's Guide to Conflict Management

Equity occurs when each person in a relationship believes that the rewards they are receiving are proportional to their contributions.

Successful partners will possess different (complementary) skills and traits.

Partners need a sense of shared standards regarding what is desirable, undesirable, good, and bad.

Girls frequently engage in one-on-one play, avoiding the team sports that teach boys to play with their enemies and against their friends

"as a man gets more successful, he is better liked by men and women, while as a woman gets more successful, she is less liked by men and women."

Once the conflict has been decoded—in that you are clear about how you co-created this mess—you will be able to treat the conflict as a natural part of the relationship. Once the core cause of the conflict has been exposed, you can move into brainstorming (tossing around ideas) and problem solving until a solution is reached and effective communication has been re-established.

Armed with this information, approach the conflict as an opportunity to improve your relationship, lessen tension, and eliminate any long-standing problems.

actions as devaluing them

6. Encourage a team approach to problem solving
In some companies, a team approach may require a complete culture change.
7. Respect the other person's point of view
Even if you disagree with it, avoid belittling what someone else believes.
8. Be aware of cultural issues
Ask for explanations of cultural issues. It's okay to admit that you want or need clarification. Confront cultural discrimination in the workplace. Do not tolerate or go along with ethnic jokes or ridiculing.

Words and tone can convey powerful positive and negative images.