De-escalation Strategies: Why They Matter and How to Use Them
Updated: Sep 13
De-escalation is the process of reducing the intensity of a conflict or a crisis. It is a skill that can help you prevent violence, manage anger, and resolve disputes in a constructive way. De-escalation strategies are especially important for professionals who work in high-stress environments, such as health care, education, law enforcement, or social services. In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of de-escalation, the principles of effective de-escalation, and some practical tips on how to apply them in your work.
De-escalation vs. Conflict Resolution
Before we dive into the details of de-escalation, let's clarify the difference between de-escalation and conflict resolution. Both are important skills for dealing with challenging situations, but they have different goals and methods.
Conflict resolution is the process of finding a mutually acceptable solution to a disagreement or problem. It involves identifying the root causes of the conflict, exploring the interests and needs of each party, and generating and evaluating possible options. Conflict resolution aims to achieve a win-win outcome that satisfies everyone involved.
De-escalation, on the other hand, is the process of lowering the emotional intensity of a situation that is escalating or potentially violent. It involves recognizing the signs of agitation or aggression, calming down the person or people involved, and creating a safe and respectful environment. De-escalation aims to prevent harm and violence and to restore communication and cooperation.
While conflict resolution and de-escalation are related, they are not the same. Sometimes, de-escalation is a prerequisite for conflict resolution, as it can help create the conditions for constructive dialogue and problem-solving. Other times, conflict resolution is not possible or appropriate, as the situation is too urgent or dangerous, or the parties are not willing or able to cooperate. In those cases, de-escalation can help diffuse the situation and avoid further escalation or intervention.
Benefits of De-escalation
De-escalation can have many positive outcomes for both you and the person you are trying to calm down. Some of the benefits of de-escalation are:
It can reduce the risk of physical harm to yourself, the person, or others. For example, a nurse who can de-escalate an agitated patient can avoid injuries or assaults that could harm both parties.
It can preserve the dignity and respect of the person, which can foster trust and rapport. For example, a teacher who can de-escalate a disruptive student can maintain a positive relationship and avoid escalating the situation to disciplinary actions.
It can lower your own stress level and prevent burnout. For example, a police officer who can de-escalate a tense situation can reduce their own emotional and physiological arousal and cope better with the demands of their job.
It can save time and resources by avoiding unnecessary escalation or intervention. For example, a social worker who can de-escalate a family conflict can prevent the need for more costly or intrusive services or referrals.
It can improve communication and understanding between you and the person. For example, a counselor who can de-escalate an angry client can create a safe space for dialogue and feedback.
It can create opportunities for problem-solving and collaboration. For example, a manager who can de-escalate a workplace dispute can facilitate a constructive resolution and enhance teamwork.
Principles of Effective De-escalation
De-escalation is not a one-size-fits-all technique. Different situations may require different approaches. However, there are some general principles that can guide your de-escalation efforts. These are:
Assess the situation. Before you attempt to de-escalate, you need to evaluate the level of risk, the source of the conflict, and the needs and goals of the person. You also need to be aware of your own emotions, biases, and triggers.
Be empathetic. Try to understand the person's perspective and feelings. Acknowledge their emotions and validate their concerns. Show that you care and that you want to help.
Be respectful. Treat the person as an equal and as a human being. Use their preferred name and pronouns. Avoid judgmental or patronizing language. Respect their personal space and boundaries.
Be calm. Maintain a calm and confident demeanor. Speak in a low and soothing voice. Use non-threatening body language and eye contact. Breathe deeply and relax your muscles.
Be clear. Communicate clearly and concisely. Use simple and direct language. Avoid jargon or technical terms. Repeat or rephrase your message if needed. Ask open-ended questions to clarify or confirm understanding.
Be flexible. Be willing to adapt your approach based on the person's response. Offer choices and options when possible. Compromise or negotiate if appropriate. Avoid rigid rules or ultimatums.
Tips for De-escalation
Here are some practical tips on how to use de-escalation strategies in your work:
Do not take it personally. Remember that the person's behavior is not about you, but about their situation or condition. Do not let their words or actions affect your self-esteem or professionalism.
Do not argue or provoke. Avoid contradicting, correcting, or challenging the person. Do not raise your voice or use sarcasm or humor. Do not make threats or promises that you cannot keep.
Do not ignore or dismiss. Do not ignore the person's feelings or requests. Do not interrupt or talk over them. Do not change the subject or end the conversation abruptly.
Do not force or rush. Do not pressure the person to calm down or comply. Do not rush them to make decisions or take actions. Do not touch them without their consent or move them against their will.
Do not isolate or abandon. Do not leave the person alone or unattended. Do not isolate them from their support system or resources. Do not give up on them or lose hope.
De-escalation is a valuable skill that can help you deal with difficult situations in a professional and compassionate way. By following the principles and tips outlined in this blog post, you can reduce conflict, prevent violence, and promote positive outcomes for yourself and others. If you are interested in learning more about de-escalation strategies and techniques you can contact us here!
About the Author
Joseph “Paul” Manley is the Founder and Principal of Risk Mitigation Technologies, LLC, a Training and Independent Consulting Firm with a focus on violence detection, prevention, response, and recovery. Paul is a retired Massachusetts Police Lieutenant, Adjunct Lecturer, Board-Certified Workplace Violence and Threat Specialist, Security Expert, and Trainer.