No one likes conflict. Most people do not like confrontation. Unfortunately, it happens and you cannot avoid it. The issue is not the fact that conflict happens, as much as it is how we handle it. A great leader has the ability to make a rough situation not look so bad. You can usually diffuse a situation just by handling it properly. It takes more than optimism, it takes the right communication to get others to feel calm and secure as well.
The issue is not the fact that conflict happens, as much as it is how we handle it
There are 7 things you might consider:
1- Check your attitude at the door. We all know that gas and fire do not mix. Just the same, two bad attitudes will not either. You might not be able to help the attitude of the other person, but you can certainly control yours. This helps diffuse a situation quicker than almost anything.
2- Use a calming tone in your voice. The louder you get, the louder the other person will feel they need to become, in order to be heard. A calming voice shows you are in control. It diffuses the other person from thinking they have to be in competition to win a verbal assault.
3- Use the right position when speaking. You are less threatening when perceived to be on the same level as the person you are engaging. For instance, if they are sitting, you sit as well. If they are standing, you stand. If you are standing and they are sitting it gives a threatening feel of intimidation. The other person may feel more of a need to be in protection mode.
You are less threatening when perceived to be on the same level as the person you are engaging
You can read Effectively Communicating Through Conflict Part 2 –
Would you like to have help dealing with conflict on your team or would you like to see what a healthy team looks like? We have a team ready to walk you through the process. Check us out here.