A dysfunctional approach, especially in the first phase in the conflict, is pretending that the conflict does not exist.
This ‘head in the sand policy’ (see nothing, hear nothing) involves continually postponing actions that might be useful to resolve or slow the conflict dynamics.
So: always be alert for the early signs of a conflict.

The second dysfunctional approach is the opposite behaviour: instead of taking time to carefully observe the dynamics of the ongoing conflict, you skip the diagnosis stage of the conflict, and agitate to finish the conflict immediately.
So: do not try to reach any old solution too hastily.

In the sensitive diagnosis stage of the conflict, it is possible that the two interlocutors apparently quarrel over a particular matter; however, the causes that generated the conflict are others (for example, an unresolved conflict, or power games).
So: be very careful not to confuse the conflict’s cause and effect.