When we think of conflict, our minds often jump to images of heated arguments, misunderstandings, or disputes between two or more people. But here's the truth: conflict doesn't only exist out there in the world; it starts much closer to home—right in our own minds.

The Savage Theory of Resolution® is a groundbreaking conflict resolution model developed by Karleen Savage. This 5-skills approach gathered from the fields of mediation, hostage and crisis negotiations is designed to empower individuals to effectively manage and resolve conflicts in their professional and personal lives. Unlike traditional methods, which often focus on external influences, the Savage Theory of Resolution® delves deeper, addressing the situational mindset and events that fuels disagreements and misunderstandings.

At its core, the Savage Theory of Resolution® is built on five essential skills: curiosity, attitude, master listening, connection, and reframing. See below.

Arguments are a natural part of life, but what if I told you there’s a way to turn them into opportunities for deeper understanding and connection? It’s not about winning or losing—it’s about curiosity.

This skill encourages individuals to ask insightful questions that help uncover the underlying motivations and thought processes of others. By learning a genuine interest in understanding the other party's perspective, curiosity paves the way for open, constructive dialogue.

We’ve all been there—caught in the middle of a heated argument, trying to figure out the best way to respond. But here’s the secret: it’s not about having the perfect comeback or even solving the problem on the spot. The best attitude you can bring to any fight is to be fully present, but not take on the burden of solving others' problems.

Attitude refers to the mindset one brings into a conflict. It’s about being fully present in the conversation without attempting to solve the problem for the other person. Maintaining a supportive and empathetic attitude is crucial for effective conflict resolution.

Ever find yourself on the receiving end of a barrage of accusations during an argument? It can feel overwhelming, confusing, and frustrating. But what if I told you there’s a technique used by mediators, hostage and crisis negotiators that can help you navigate these moments with clarity and control? It’s called story mapping, coined by Karleen Savage.

Listening is more than just hearing words—it's about fully understanding the intent and emotions behind those words. Master listening involves being fully attentive and responsive, ensuring diffusion and clear points of thought .

When conflict arises, it’s easy to feel disconnected from the other person. But the truth is, the key to resolving conflict often lies in creating a stronger connection. It’s about making sure both sides feel understood and valued.

Connection is the ability to create mutual understanding  between conflicting parties. It’s about using phrases that express empathy and checking that both sides are on the same page. This helps build rapport and trust, making it easier to find common ground.

Conflict can feel like a dead end, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right approach, you can turn even the most difficult arguments into opportunities for truth, options, and solutions. This process is called reframing, and it’s a key part of the Savage Theory of Resolution®.

After navigating through the other skills, reframing is the process of presenting all the information in a way that highlights truth, options, and solutions. It’s about shifting the conversation from conflict to collaboration, allowing both parties to focus on actionable outcomes.

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