1. Take action early
2. Decide what outcomes you want
3. Seek out legal advice early
4. Ensure you retain control of critical decisions and actions
5. Prepare a strategy and refine and develop it as the matter proceeds
6. Identify and engage all necessary resources in good time
7. Maintain options for negotiated resolution with opposing parties
8. Maintain close control over costs of managing the dispute and it's resolution
9. Document in writing any agreements made
10. Always remember that 'prevention is better than cure'

Click here http://www.stevehardyconsulting.com/what-we-do1/dispute-avoidance-resolution for more hints and tips behind these 10 essential habits for highly effective dispute resolution.