Not every agreement ends a conflict. Some just postpone it. A good resolution, one that truly sticks and satisfies everyone involved, needs to be practical, thoughtful, and inclusive. Below are four essential traits every lasting conflict resolution should include—drawn from real-world work with managers, teams, and conflict resolution facilitators.

✅ 1. Achievable

It’s tempting to agree to something in the moment just to move on. But if the resolution isn’t grounded in reality, it won’t last. Look out for solutions that sound good but haven’t been stress-tested. Can the people responsible for making it happen actually do so? Are all details and consequences considered?

For example, in one workshop, a team quickly agreed to rotate responsibilities to resolve conflict over workload—but failed to define how those rotations would be monitored. Two weeks later, the conflict re-emerged. Achievability needs clarity, not just intent.

💡 2. Satisfying

Resolution isn’t just about fairness—it’s also about meeting deeper needs. For example, if an employee is frustrated by micromanagement, a solution that restores autonomy will be far more effective than one that simply shifts tasks. A strong resolution should leave each party feeling personally heard and respected.

🤝 3. Inclusive

A resolution should not feel like a win for one side and a loss for another. It must take into account the interests, needs, and concerns of everyone involved—even the quieter voices. Take the time to surface hidden concerns and walk through small details. Rushing the process leads to blind spots.

This mirrors the interest-based conflict resolution model, which emphasizes listening to underlying needs—not just stated positions—to craft meaningful agreements.

⚖️ 4. Balanced

When each party gives something and receives something in return, the outcome feels fair. Imbalance—even perceived—can trigger resentment later and lead people to quietly disengage from the agreement. A balanced resolution builds trust and reinforces commitment.

📘 Build Conflict-Resilient Teams

Help your team craft practical, balanced resolutions with our Conflict Resolution Training Package. It includes editable guides, exercises, and facilitation tools to teach conflict management skills that actually work.