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Are you a professional trying to cope with conflicts at the workplace or a stay at home mom looking for ways to minimize arguments with your spouse and kids? Conflict Management has always been a debatable issue, primarily due to its esoteric nature. While most of us encounter conflicts in our personal and professional life, the key is to manage these effectively. It will turn the circumstances into a more productive situation rather than one that only leads to hurt & resentment. Here are a few tips you should consider to manage conflicts in your life.
Stay Calm During An Argument
Studies suggest that the way people treat you is 75% your responsibility, generally due to your behavioral response to a certain situation. When dealing with conflicts, stay calm and listen rather than yelling or restating your stance just to gain an edge. The key lies in being rationale and impartial in the middle of a heated debate. Whether you are arguing with your spouse, a colleague or your friend, I advise you to remain placid. Hear the other person’s opinion and then respond. Do not sound biased or never lose your temper. A haughty response will only flare up the other person, so be gentle and approachable. Avoid being too critical, bad mouthing the person or throwing shade on social media. It can also go against you in court proceedings (if someone sues you).
Understand First Rather Than Being Understood
The problem with most fraying marriages is the fact that both partners tend to argue over meager matters. In trying to get their point across, they overstep parameters of rationality, logic, and reason. This only turns arguments into ‘Must Win’ battles that lead to growing resentment, cognitive turmoil, and agony for both partners. The result is usually a separation or divorce settlement through a legal expert like League City divorce attorney not to mention the emotional distress that follows. The same is true for differences in opinion at work, with a friend or a family member. Remember the Stephen Covey habits for highly effective people: Seek first to understand, be patient and then have yourself heard for the best impact.
Take Responsibility & Accept Mistakes
At times, it may be you who is at fault or not seeing the rational side of the picture. Instead of blaming the other person or yelling at them, you should understand the differences in perspectives and paradigms. If you are being too sensitive about an issue or overreacting, I say you let go and reconsider what the other party is saying. It pays off in the end to accept your mistakes, learn from them and take responsibility for your actions.
Opt For Feedback Framing
An effective approach to solving conflicts especially at work is Feedback Framing. It involves pondering over the ‘What happened’ and then discussing ‘What could or possibly should have happened’ ideally. Mull over, ‘why the new solution or suggestion is more feasible’. This allows you to think about the situation more rationally, compare the outcomes and make informed decisions. In the end, a win-win is what you should essentially look for.
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This content is sponsored by Suhail Ajamal.
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