Solving disputes by personality types

There's no magic formula for solving disputes. Every dispute is unique, and creativity comes into play in a major way. However, different personality types would need to be handled differently to enhance the possibility of a viable settlement. Here are 4 personality types I refer to when seeking to mediate disputes:

The choleric

Cholerics are powerful people. They need to be in charge. In mediating disputes with a choleric party, I ensure they take charge of both the process and the substance of discussions. Really, a choleric will direct you to settle if you allow them to. Don't even think about mentioning how terribly inconvenient disputes can be. Cholerics are not afraid of disputes, and inconvenience will not motivate them towards settlement. Instead, let them take the lead. Ask them to instruct you on the settlement terms. Let them direct you how to go about things. Let your input be merely suggestions which they will embrace as their own ideas.

The sanguine

Sanguines are people-persons. They crave popularity. They must be well-liked. Discuss settlement terms with sanguines in terms of win-win solutions for all parties. Talk about preservation of relatinships. Paint a picture of a future with all parties happy with each other. As long as a proposal is not detrimental to the sanguine, he will agree to it if it makes everybody happy.

The phlegmatic

Phlegmatics are peaceful people. These are the people who would understand when you explain that disputes are troublesome. Tell them how disputes can be costly, time-consuming and emotionally troubling. They honestly believe all these already within themselves.

The melancholic

Melancholics are meticulous. Make sure you cross the t's and dot the i's as far as these parties are concerned. Think about the consequences in detail. Don't leave out seemingly insignificant phraseology. Set out everything in full, duly plotted out and with contingencies in place. Give the melancholic the full picture- every minute detail of it. Explain the process step-by-step. The melancholic is not going to be satisfied until he/she is satisfied every little bit has been thought through and worked out.

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