With All Due Respect

So you're in a conflict with someone.  Great.  Welcome to the human race.  "Where 2 or 3 are gathered, there will be conflict..."  So how do you best approach it?  Respect.  Here's how:

FIRST -- Think of all they bring to the human existence.  Depending on the individual, this may be a very difficult first step.  But stay in the moment... what do they REALLY offer?  What are they good at?  What skills do they possess?  What interests do they have that make the world a better place? 

SECOND -- Now, separate the ISSUE from the PERSON.

THIRD -- Then approach the CONFLICT as a common enemy while at the same time approaching the PERSON with all due respect.  Respect them for who they are and what they can do.

Conflict tends to tear us apart from one another.  But when we can honor who the person is, while simultaneously tearing into the issue together, we are more likely to reach a management of that conflict.