Avoiding conflict and the stress that comes with it can seem like a smooth way to pass through both your professional and personal life. No arguments, no loud voices and no mean words spoken on either side. However, steering clear of confrontation also inevitably leads to unresolved issues, continued annoying behaviour and rising resentment, which can be contributing factors to brain shrinkage and depression.
The solution, then, is to face your problems with others head-on, solve them and move forward. But how do you do that if you’d much prefer to slip out a back-door than face an unpleasant manager or colleague. For a start, this infographic from NetCredit offers some great advice on improving your conflict-resolution abilities.
An important start to any difficult discussion is to begin it from a position of respect. Rather than saying “I don’t like x” and immediately being confrontational, try “I believe our relationship is worth solving this issue” to show your desire to reach a mutual understanding.
One should also focus on using facts and being clear in the words used. By basing your discussion on opinions or presuming you know why the other person acted a certain way, you can make them become defensive which will make agreement difficult.
Listening carefully to the other is another important factor in successfully resolving conflict. Though you might have a lot to say, you cannot expect the other person to hear you out if you don’t grant them the same courtesy.
Though it may be awkward and difficult at the start, becoming adept at facing conflicts and resolving them is a skill that can lead to a happier life and a clearer mind. That in itself should be worth practicing these tips and looking to improve.