Conflict resolution is an important skill to have, both in your professional and personal lives. Identifying and addressing conflicts can help you stay on the path to success.
Establishing SMART goals is an amazing way to ensure you effectively resolve issues and reach desired outcomes. This post will look at examples of SMART goals related to conflict resolution so you can start formulating your strategies.
What is a SMART Goal?
The SMART framework will allow you to develop practical goals for conflict resolution.
For more clarity, we will dive deeper into each SMART criterion:
Specific
Be sure to define your goals clearly and accurately. That could mean providing an outline of outcomes that everyone can agree on or determining concrete steps that should be taken along the way. Doing so will provide a compelling roadmap toward the ultimate resolution of the conflict.
Measurable
Measurability is necessary to manage conflict more efficiently; you can track progress to meet your desired goal. This component will help you recognize any obstacles that may arise and learn from them as you move forward. With these considerations in mind, you will set the foundation for success.
Attainable
It is crucial to create attainable goals during conflict resolution. If your expectations are unrealistic, it will make reaching an agreement more difficult and leave both sides feeling unfulfilled after the process has finished.
Ask yourself questions like “What outcomes do I think are possible?” and “What kind of modifications am I willing to accept?” This will keep you focused on reaching mutually beneficial solutions and prevent feelings of disappointment from either side if those expectations aren’t met.
Relevant
To motivate yourself to reach your ideal destination, establish purposeful goals that align with your core values. You’ll be able to stay the course even when faced with adversity because your personal values will guide you to the right path.
Time-Based
With a strict end date, you will remain on track and constantly keep sight of your goals. After all, it’s impossible to achieve success overnight—it’s a process of hard work and commitment that must be maintained over time.
12 SMART Goals Examples for Conflict Resolution
Below are 12 examples of SMART goals for conflict resolution:
1. Clarify Intentions
“By the end of two months, I will create a system to ensure that all participants in conversations understand each other’s intentions to reduce miscommunication or misinterpretation.”
Specific: This goal outlines the objective and identifies a timeline for achieving it.
Measurable: Assess the conversations to identify any miscommunications and work to reduce them.
Attainable: Creating a system for understanding intentions is doable within two months with proper focus.
Relevant: Understanding each other’s intentions is essential for conflict resolution.
Time-based: There is a two-month end date for lasting success.
2. Establish Common Ground
“I will create an atmosphere of understanding and acceptance by finding common ground between conflicting parties. For the duration of three months, I’ll hold workshops and meetings to facilitate understanding between all parties.”
Specific: The statement is well-defined, detailing the objective and how to accomplish it.
Measurable: You can observe the level of understanding, acceptance, and cooperation between conflicting parties.
Attainable: This is achievable by holding workshops and meetings to facilitate understanding.
Relevant: This goal is appropriate because it encourages cooperation, understanding, and acceptance between parties.
Time-based: There is a three-month timeline for accomplishing this certain goal.
3. Identify Underlying Issues
“I will consciously identify any underlying issues as soon as possible and be proactive in resolving them. I aim to focus on communication between all parties involved to better understand the situation and be in a more informed position to resolve it.”
Specific: The goal clearly explains what needs to be done (identifying underlying issues and proactive communication).
Measurable: You can track the times you’ve successfully identified underlying issues and communicated proactively.
Attainable: This is reasonable as long as you are open to proactively communicating with the other parties involved.
Relevant: This is an essential step in resolving conflicts effectively.
Time-based: The goal is ongoing, so you must pursue it on a regular basis.
4. Explore Options Together
“I will work to create a constructive atmosphere where coworkers can discuss their differing opinions with each other to find the most beneficial solution. I’ll actively listen to all perspectives and explore options that meet the needs of everyone involved by the end of three months.”
Specific: The SMART goal is explicit because it outlines how to create a constructive atmosphere and explore options together.
Measurable: You can check whether a constructive atmosphere is established and potential solutions are explored in three months.
Attainable: Creating a constructive environment and finding beneficial solutions is absolutely doable.
Relevant: The statement applies to managing conflicts more effectively.
Time-based: Goal attainment is expected within the following three months.
5. Commit to Agreements
“I will ensure that all agreements between employees and employers are met with consistency and fairness within four months. Everyone should have trust in the fact that all parties will follow through on their commitments.”
Specific: You have precise actions available—ensure all agreements are met with consistency and fairness.
Measurable: The goal is to commit to the agreements within four months.
Attainable: This is a reasonable goal assuming all parties are willing to commit.
Relevant: This goal relates to your primary objective of having all parties trust and follow through on their commitments.
Time-based: You should expect goal attainment within the next four months.
6. Maintain Respectful Communication
“I will ensure that all communication—especially during disputes and disagreements—remains respectful by the end of three months. I expect every person in our organization to be treated with respect and courtesy, regardless of their opinions or perspectives.”
Specific: The SMART goal is easy to understand. You’ll maintain respectful communication.
Measurable: You will ensure that all communication remains respectful after three months.
Attainable: If given the necessary resources and time, maintaining respectful communication during disputes and disagreements is an achievable goal.
Relevant: The goal is appropriate for the individual’s desired outcome.
Time-based: Success will be met in three whole months.
7. Learn From Experiences
“I’ll strive to take the time to practice self-reflection and learn from every conflict experience. I want to use my newfound knowledge to inform my future decisions and interactions with others.”
Specific: The individual is self-reflecting to learn from their conflict experiences.
Measurable: The person can track their progress with self-reflection.
Attainable: This is an achievable goal because it encourages individuals to be introspective and use those insights to inform their decisions.
Relevant: Self-reflection is essential for conflict resolution and can help inform future interactions.
Time-based: The goal is ongoing because you want to make learning a lifelong journey.
8. Create a Plan for the Future
“For 6 months, I’ll develop a plan for resolving conflicts in the future. The plan should include communication and resolution methods for all team members. It must also include a process for promptly and professionally addressing any issues that arise in the future.”
Specific: This goal is clear because it outlines the steps necessary to create a future conflict resolution plan.
Measurable: Ensure the plan includes communication and resolution methods and a process for promptly addressing future issues.
Attainable: This is achievable if the person is willing to dedicate time and effort.
Relevant: Creating a plan for future conflicts applies to anyone who wants to improve their team’s ability to handle future disputes.
Time-based: The goal should be completed within 6 months.
9. Seek Outside Assistance
“To ensure I’m managing conflicts effectively, I’ll seek outside assistance when needed by the end of three months. That could include consulting a professional mediator, attending workshops or seminars, or reading relevant books on the topic.”
Specific: This goal is about actively seeking assistance from outside sources.
Measurable: Make sure you consult a professional mediator, attend workshops or seminars, or read relevant books on the topic.
Attainable: With enough research, this goal is achievable as there are plenty of outside sources of assistance.
Relevant: Seeking outside assistance is necessary for effectively managing conflicts.
Time-based: There is a deadline of three months for success.
10. Resolve Any Unmet Expectations
“I will proactively resolve any unmet expectations within two weeks by understanding the feelings of those involved and brainstorming creative solutions. It is important that these expectations are not forgotten and that everyone agrees upon the solutions.”
Specific: The statement is clear with what is expected to be done and the timeline.
Measurable: You could measure success by tracking how many expectations have been resolved in two weeks.
Attainable: This is possible as it’s realistic to understand the feelings of those involved and brainstorm solutions within two weeks.
Relevant: This is related to resolving any issues on time.
Time-based: There is a two-weeks end date for achieving this particular goal.
11. Follow Through on Decisions Made
“To ensure consistent and effective management, I will create and follow through on decisions made for the 7 months ahead. I’ll hold myself accountable for following through on any commitments I agreed upon.”
Specific: This is specific because the person outlines a plan to create and follow through on decisions.
Measurable: Evaluate your progress by counting the number of commitments made and followed through on.
Attainable: The goal is achievable in 7 months with careful planning and execution.
Relevant: This is crucial to effective management, making the goal suitable.
Time-based: Completion of this goal is expected after 7 months.
12. Set Clear Boundaries
“I will create and implement clear boundaries in the workplace in 5 months. I hope to communicate expectations, act as a role model, and set rules around respect, trust, and integrity.”
Specific: This goal is explicit in that it has a clear timeline and expectations.
Measurable: Ensure you monitor the process of setting up the boundaries.
Attainable: This is an achievable goal as it involves implementing a plan.
Relevant: Setting boundaries in the workplace is a crucial component of a healthy work environment.
Time-based: The goal will be completed in 5 months.
Final Thoughts
The SMART method provides a framework to guide the process of addressing and resolving conflicts. They allow the parties involved to break down complex issues into actionable steps that are easier to achieve.
Emphasizing measurable results encourages each side to work towards the same end goal. Plus, SMART goals give clarity and structure, helping all parties to stay driven and energized. At the end of the day, this framework is a powerful tool to help prevent or resolve conflicts in any situation.
