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Conflict Resolution: Effective Communication Strategies for Resolving Conflicts and Finding Common Ground.

Published

2 years ago

Conflict Resolution: Effective Communication Strategies for Resolving Conflicts and Finding Common Ground.

The idea of conflict stems from the fact that no two individuals are same. Identical twins may have strikingly similar facial features, however their values, ideals, mannerisms, and thought processes are almost always parallel to each other. The clash that arises when two individuals disagree on an issue as a result of their dissenting thought processes is typically known as conflict. Michael Nicholson, a popular academician defines conflict as an activity which takes place when individuals or groups wish to carry out mutually inconsistent acts concerning their wants, needs or obligations. Let’s observe a situation where you have a colleague who believes in utilizing any process no matter how Machiavellian to produce results, while you are a fair and just person who believes in equality and liberalism. If you two are assigned to a project which would involve human management, the probability that conflict would arise is as sure as the day coming after the night. Conflict does not necessarily arise as a result of some premeditated “beef” against a person. The root of every conflict can be traced to a clash in values or ideals or objectives.

Conflict Resolution: Effective Communication Strategies for Resolving Conflicts and Finding Common Ground.

Levels and Types of Conflict

Conflict may exist at different levels such as

Intrapersonal Conflict: This conflict arises at the level of an individual. It occurs within a person. For example, a person may be conflicted within himself when he nabs his friend doing something detrimental to his company. He is torn between his personal relationship with his friend and the fiduciary relationship he has with his company.

Interpersonal Conflict: This conflict exists between two individuals. This is the most common type of conflict. It arises as a result of a difference in the ideals, values, interests etc of the persons involved. This type of conflict can be seen between co-workers, neighbours, etc.

Intergroup Conflict: This is the conflict that takes place among different groups and often involves a clash in goals, values, or resources. Types of groups may include different departments, employee unions, or management in a company or competing companies having same customer base.

Interorganizational Conflict: Interorganizational conflict often arises between two companies in the same industry (for example, a clash between automobile manufactures over engine standards), between two companies in different industries or sectors, and even between two or more countries.

Conflict may also be of different types such as

Goal Conflict: usually occurs when an individual or group desires a different result or goals from others.
Cognitive Conflict: This conflict often stems from an incompatibility in emotions, ideals, values, etc. Often cognitive conflicts are rooted in differences in attitudes, beliefs, values, and worldviews.
Behavioural Conflict: exists when a person or group acts in a way that is just unacceptable to others. Using profane language is a typical example of behavioral conflict.

Having given a general overview of what conflict is, let’s have a look at the communication strategies we can employ to resolve conflicts. However if you’re a little indifferent, you’ll probably ask, why resolve conflicts? Why not just let each person have their ideals and objectives to themselves, while you enjoy yours?

North Central University defines conflict resolution as the process of ending a dispute and reaching an agreement that satisfies all parties involved. Emphasis should be placed on “satisfies all parties”. This is the bane of conflict resolution. The fact that all parties involved leave satisfied.

Importance of Conflict Resolution

Goal Achievement: Conflict arises primarily because there’s a clash in the realization of certain goals. Such conflict often results in the delay of goal achievement. This is never good if you have a boss or supervisor or board who needs such goal achieved. What does this mean? You need that conflict resolved one way or another to achieve the intended goals.
Building Relationships: No man can exist as an island. In effect, we need relationships to get results. However these relationships, personal or professional, suffer when conflicts are left unresolved.
To Enhance Commitments/Generate New Insights: While Conflicts may be very detrimental to group projects, it can also work to improve the commitment levels of a team if handled and resolved properly. Conflict resolution that ends in a win-win almost always makes the participants feel more devoted to a cause. In addition to this, conflicts help members of a team see a challenge or concept from different perspectives. These perspectives when thoroughly considered invariably makes new insights possible.

Let’s dive into the communication strategies to employ in resolving conflicts.

Top 6 Conflict Resolution Strategies!

Active and Empathic Listening

One of the principles of communication according to Stephen Covey is to understand first before the pursuit to be understood. We cannot deny that innate urge to scream out our point of view and impose it on the other party whenever a clash looms. Sadly, this is the tripwire that causes the explosion. Yes, you want to be understood. Indeed you want your point appreciated. That is only fair. However the same way you want to be understood is the same way your partner wants to be understood. In the heat of the moment, no one wants to sincerely understand the other. This is why this principle is very key. Always seek to understand first. The key to understanding is empathic and active listening. According to the University of IOWA, active listening is a set of techniques designed to help you hear and understand what someone else is saying and to help the speaker express him/herself clearly. Active listening zooms in on both facts and feelings, reduces tension and defensiveness, and allows conflicts to be resolved more effectively. It is very important to note that active listening does not involve mere reflective listening where you rephrase the speaker and try to employ listening sounds and fillers. To resolve a conflict, you must sincerely seek to understand and appreciate your speaker’s perspective. It goes beyond listening, to feeling and acknowledging the views of the speaker even though you probably don’t agree on all fours.

Foster Open Communication

This comes into play where the relationship is vertical. In the event, you have a looming conflict with a subordinate who may most likely be reserved with his views, it is important you level the playing ground in order to fully understand your partner. Encourage open and honest dialogue where parties can express their thoughts, feelings, and ideas without fear of judgement. Stifle the urge to resort to your authority when a conflict hovers. This only results in repressed feelings which will eventually resurface in an uglier fashion. Calmly open the door to honest communication and seek to understand the other’s point of view.

Focus on Solutions

There’s this self-gratification we attain when we run around a problem. However it makes us trade blames, beat about the main issue, cry after the absence of a solution, then we trade blames some more and the cycle continues. Conflict arises because there’s a clash in the thought processes of two or more individuals or groups over a concept. Rather than beat around the fact that there’s the problem of disagreement, dialogue over a solution. Problems don’t get solved by constant debates and ceaseless heated arguments. They get solved by brainstorming sessions. Resist the urge to go back and forth on the issue at hand. Encourage parties involved to step out of the picture as pained participants and find a way to forge ahead. Stephen Covey calls is “Seeking the hidden but present third alternative.” Closely associated with this strategy is the principle of distinguishing a person from his perspectives. There’s this desire to deepen a conflict by drawing the persona of a participant into the conflict. Indeed the values of a person is oftentimes a reflection of who he is. However when we bring the persona of a party into the conflict, we remove the focus from the issue at hand. Conflict resolution is not an attempt to change a person, it is an attempt to blend the various dissenting views and values into a workable concept that ends in a win-win situation. Hence unnecessary attention should be denied the problem and the persona of the parties. Instead proper focus should be paid to steps that will bring about solution. Refrain from assigning blames or making accusations and set the stage for reasonable dialogue and brainstorming.

Compromise

To assert the importance of compromise is to admit that we have different preferences, priorities, and approaches. It is also to acquiesce that everyone knows something and no one knows everything. Compromise is a Latin word consisting of com (together) and promittere (to promise). In its original meaning, it means the joint promise of two sides to solve problems. Since time immemorial, compromise has been the main way for people, groups, and countries to work out their differences. It is the main tool of diplomacy. You cannot seek to have everything work in your favour. It eventually does not end well. Try to let go of some standpoints. Rigidity only breeds similar stubborn indifference from your partner. Compromising some factors will tell your partner that you are open to negotiating the available options in order to arrive at a consensus.

Avoid Blame; Use “I” Statements

No one enjoys being accused. Accusatory statements almost always start with “You”. Funny enough, the mere utterance of “you did this”, “you didn’t do that” unknowingly triggers the defense alarms of your partner who loses the zeal to solve the issue in a bid to rescue himself from your attacks. When in conflict, structure your statements to use more “Is”. When you look down upon the other party from an inaccurate moral high ground, a real resolution becomes thoroughly impossible. Defuse the already existing tension by deflecting the blame.

Consider Mediation

The legal sphere understands that although conflict is an unavoidable bacteria in the cells of human existence, there’s the need to minimize it to avoid a full-scale infection. As a result, new systems of arbitration, conciliation, and mediation have been set up. These processes are commendable in that they lack the bitter animosity associated with full scale litigation. It is advisable to draw up arbitration clauses in your business agreements, this way both parties can settle amicably before a panel of arbitrators.

In summary, an unpopular but sincere observation is that conflict has come to stay. We should be focused on the steps to resolve them before they deepen. Employ these 6 strategies and realize how conflicts can become a very useful tool to further your goals!

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Why Cozi Furniture Is The Best Place For Furniture Of Every Budget In Maryland

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Why Cozi Furniture Is The Best Place For Furniture Of Every Budget In Maryland

Furniture enhances a home’s beauty, as it tends not just to occupy space but to give it a look that exudes comfort. But there has always been a narrative that high-quality furniture comes with a high cost, as it is mostly for high-end users—this is not entirely true, as you can get furniture pieces within your budget without breaking the bank. One furniture store that is changing this narrative and making affordable, top-quality furniture available to the residents of Maryland, D.C., Virginia, and its environs is Cozi Furniture.

Who Is Cozi Furniture?

Cozi Furniture is the leading furniture store in the DMV area, offering quality home furniture at affordable prices. It has a physical store in New Carrollton, Maryland, and an online store where you can conveniently shop for your furniture products. These are furniture from reputable brands like Ashley Furniture, Crown Mark, and Coaster 22 Premium.

Why Cozi Furniture Is The Best Place For Furniture Of Every Budget In Maryland

Cozi Furniture offers bedroom sets, living room sets, mattresses, home office sets, dining room sets, entertainment sets, outdoor furniture, and accessories in various forms and styles.

What Makes Cozi Furniture The Best Furniture Store For Every Budget?

1. Affordable Prices

Cozi Furniture understands that budget is a top concern for many customers. Hence, it is committed to offering affordable prices on all the furniture pieces at its store. From sofas and loveseats to dining tables and bedroom sets, there is a wide range of furniture for every budget.

Notably, the furniture prices at Cozi Furniture are not what you can describe as “too good to be true” because all the products at the store are of high quality. Its furniture is made with top-quality materials and crafted with attention to detail, ensuring that every piece is stylish and durable. This makes Cozi Furniture the best place to buy furniture in Maryland.

2. Furniture Financing Program

In its bid to make high-quality furniture available to everybody, Cozi Furniture introduced a financing program called “Buy Now Pay Later” that allows you to get your preferred furniture and pay over 48 months with 0% interest. This means that you can purchase any furniture at the store without any down payment, with the opportunity to spread your payment across about four (4) years.

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3. Discounted Sales

Cozi Furniture is offering its furniture pieces at discounted prices. So you can save up to 23% on the furniture you buy from the store—both online and offline. For instance, the Mindanao Power Reclining Sofa that used to sell for $1,538 will be available for $1,183. This also applies to the Bolanburg Dining Set and other accessories at the store.

4. Return And Refund Policy

While Cozi Furniture upholds the sale and delivery of top-quality furniture, the company also has a return and refund plan in the event that you’re unsatisfied with the furniture delivered to you. Therefore, you can either request an exchange or ask for a refund. All these are to ensure the optimum satisfaction of its customers.

Cozi Furniture clearly understands the value of spending money on a product, which is why ensuring that the furniture gets a high-quality product in a good state is a greater priority.

Conclusion

Cozi Furniture is undoubtedly the ultimate destination for affordable, high-quality furniture in Maryland. The store is open to customers of every budget, and various features ensure that you create a beautiful and functional home.

Contact Cozi Furniture today to furnish your home with style and class.

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DealMakers AFRICA Recognizes Top Mergers, Acquisitions, and Dealmakers in West Africa

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Christopher

DealMakers AFRICA Recognizes Top Mergers, Acquisitions, and Dealmakers in West Africa

West Africa’s most significant mergers and acquisitions, along with the financial and legal advisers behind them, have been recognised in the recently released 2024 DealMakers AFRICA Annual Awards. The awards highlight transactions that have shaped the region’s corporate landscape, acknowledging the firms and individuals driving complex deals across industries.

The DealMakers AFRICA awards are determined primarily by objective criteria, assessing the value and number of transactions recorded. However, three categories—Deal of the Year, Private Equity Deal of the Year, and Individual DealMaker of the Year—are selected based on nominations from advisory firms. These are evaluated based on factors such as deal complexity, transformational impact, and potential value creation.

DealMakers AFRICA Recognizes Top Mergers, Acquisitions, and Dealmakers in West Africa

In the West Africa Deal of the Year category, four major transactions were shortlisted. These included Olam Agri’s acquisition of Avisen, Chappal Energies’ purchase of Equinor’s Nigerian business, Renaissance Africa Energy’s acquisition of Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria, and the acquisition of Flour Mills by Excelsior Shipping. The winning deal in this category was the acquisition of Shell Petroleum Development Company by Renaissance Africa Energy, a transaction that aligns with Nigeria’s broader objective of increasing local participation in the energy sector. The deal saw ownership of critical onshore assets consolidated under a consortium of Nigerian companies, reinforcing local players’ roles in the industry. PwC Nigeria, Banwo & Ighodalo, Clifford Chance, White & Case, and G. Elias served as advisers on the transaction.

For the Private Equity Deal of the Year, three deals were in contention, including CardinalStone Partners’ exit from i-Fitness to Verod, Verod and its partners’ investment in Moniepoint, and Adenia Partners’ sale of Cresta Paints to Uhuru Investment Partners. The award was given to CardinalStone Partners for its exit from i-Fitness to Verod, a deal expected to drive i-Fitness’ next growth phase through Verod’s operational expertise and financial backing. The transaction was facilitated by Rand Merchant Bank Nigeria, CardinalStone Capital Partners, Udo Udoma & Belo-Osagie, and Olaniwun Ajayi.

The Individual DealMaker of the Year award, sponsored for the second consecutive year by PSG Capital, recognised five shortlisted professionals: Akinola Akinboboye of Deloitte, Ayotunde Owoigbe of Banwo & Ighodalo, Azeezah Muse-Sadiq of Banwo & Ighodalo, Daniel Adeoye of Verod, and Yewande Senbore of Olaniwun Ajayi. The award went to Daniel Adeoye, a partner at Verod, for his role in executing high-value transactions in the region.

Adenia Partners’ acquisition of Air Liquide subsidiaries across Africa was recognised with the DealMakers AFRICA Special Recognition award. The deal spanned 12 countries across three regions, with Adenia committing up to €30 million over the next five years to strengthen and expand the newly formed entity, Erium. The transaction was advised by Decrop Consulting, Asafo & Co, Fidal Avocats, Deloitte, DPGS & Alliance Partners, and ClassM.

The awards also acknowledged the top-performing financial and legal advisory firms in West Africa’s mergers and acquisitions landscape. PwC emerged as the leading financial adviser by deal value, followed by Rand Merchant Bank Nigeria, Citigroup Global Markets, and Treadstone Resource Partners. Rand Merchant Bank Nigeria and Stanbic IBTC Capital shared the top spot for financial advisory by deal activity.

Banwo & Ighodalo was named the top legal adviser by deal value, ahead of Clifford Chance, G. Elias, and White & Case. In terms of deal flow, Banwo & Ighodalo secured the top position, followed by Olaniwun Ajayi and Herbert Smith Freehills.

For equity transactions, Stanbic IBTC Capital was ranked the top financial adviser by transaction value, while Templars led as the top legal adviser in the same category. In debt transactions, Afreximbank ranked highest by value, while Olaniwun Ajayi led in legal advisory.

DealMakers AFRICA, which launched its awards in 2000 in South Africa and expanded to the rest of the continent in 2008, continues to highlight key transactions that shape African economies. The latest rankings reflect the growing sophistication of West Africa’s mergers and acquisitions landscape, as local and international firms navigate complex deals that are reshaping industries across the region.

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African Development Bank signs $45 million grant agreement with Chad for asphalting of the Kyabé-Mayo road section

Published

2 months ago

Christopher

African Development Bank signs $45 million grant agreement with Chad for asphalting of the Kyabé-Mayo road section

The African Development Bank (www.AfDB.org) and the government of Chad have signed a grant agreement worth $44.9 million to finance the asphalting of the 49.5-kilometre Kyabé-Mayo section of the Kyabé-Singako road, including the construction of a 55-metre bridge.

The agreement was signed in N’Djamena on 19 February 2025 by Tahir Hamid Nguilin, Minister of State for Finance, Budget, Economy, Planning and International Cooperation, and Claude N’Kodia, the Bank’s Acting Representative in Chad. Several members of the Chadian government were also present, including the Minister for Infrastructure, Access-Improvement and Road Maintenance, Amir Idriss Kourda, and the Secretary of State for Finance and Budget, Ali Djadda Kampard. Also present was a delegation from the International Monetary Fund, led by its head of mission for Chad, Julien Reynaud,

African Development Bank signs $45 million grant agreement with Chad for asphalting of the Kyabé-Mayo road section

The funding will support one of the Chadian government’s key development objectives through strategic infrastructure improvement.

“The [Moyen-Chari] region, including Kyabé, Singako and Am Timan, has strong economic potential. It is Chad’s main agricultural basin and livestock area, rich in fish resources. Fish are supplied from Moyen-Chari to a large part of the country’s south and even to foreign markets,” stated Nguilin, also the Bank’s Governor for Chad.

The road project will open up southern and eastern regions of Chad, reduce vulnerability, and strengthen the resilience of local populations, especially women and young people. It will improve the transportation of goods and people between Kyabé and Singako by providing an all-weather road, facilitating the flow of agricultural and animal products from the rich areas of Moyen-Chari and Salamat to the consumer centers of Sarh, Moundou, N’Djamena and Abéché. It will also enhance accessibility to Moyen-Chari from neighboring Sudan.

The agreement paves the way for support from the Islamic Development Bank to finance the second section of the 205-kilometer Mayo-Singako-Am Timan at an estimated cost of $275.5 million.

“The African Development Bank is a strategic partner of Chad, particularly in the transport sector. The construction of the road section will reduce the overall cost of transport in Moyen-Chari […] and improve the living conditions of local people thanks to easier access to health and education facilities and to the country’s main consumer centers,” said N’Kodia.

The Kyabé-Mayo section of the Kyabé-Singako road is one of the missing links in the N’Djamena-Moundou-Sarh-Kyabé-Am Timan-Abéché corridor and forms part of the priority structuring network that the Chadian government aims to develop to ensure nationwide coverage and permanent accessibility.

The African Development Bank Group remains a strategic financial partner for Chad, with its strategy paper focusing on two priority pillars: developing infrastructure to achieve strong and diversified economic growth and promoting good governance to increase the effectiveness of public action and the attractiveness of the economic environment.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).