It is natural for conflict to occur and can often lead to positive change. Healthy conflict is a constructive approach, which allows your team members to exchange differing ideas openly, whilst sharing the goal of finding positive solutions, that are likely beneficial for all team members or supportive of organizational goals.
Research has revealed that managers spend more than 20% of their time managing conflict in their teams. A great deal of conflict has the capacity to occur without the manager or team leader’s knowledge and can impact productivity, performance and morale if left unattended. If you can focus on your own communication skills, during the early stages of the conflict, a happier resolution may be feasible, between you and the other party.
Acquisition of the following communication skills will strengthen your wellbeing in your workplace, support your manager and promote healthier team dynamics. Consider adding the following tips into your personal skill set, as your new superpowers, and enjoy greater understanding of workmates and less conflict:
TIPS FOR CONFLICT RESOLUTION
1/ Choose to respond rather than react- Take a moment to think through a situation before acting or speaking. PAUSE! Weigh up the options before making a conscious and deliberate decision. Choose the most beneficial words or actions.
2/ Listen actively- Requires you to be fully present in the conversation, which involves maintaining eye contact watch for the non-verbal cues, nil interruption and nil judgement, and avoid offering your own opinions whilst listening. Your priority should be focused on listening simply to fully understand the other person.
3/Positive Reframing involves thinking about a negative or challenging situation in a more positive way- Pay attention to your thoughts that are causing you or the other person stress and shift the perspective of the conversation to achieve more positive and productive outcomes.
4/ Positive body language refers to non-verbal cues that convey confidence, openness, and approachability. [see S.O.L.E.R]
S -Sit squarely in an upright position facing the other person.
O -maintain an open body stance [no crossed arms or legs]
L -lean slightly towards the other person. Particularly when a specific point is made by them.
E -maintain eye contact with the other person -50% of time while speaking and 70% of time whilst listening.
R -Be relaxed and avoid fidgeting, A relaxed body influences the other person, highlighting that you are comfortable with the topic and other person. Being relaxed encourages calmness and ease to communicate, with others.
5/Tone of Voice-refers to the tone in what you are saying ,and is a critical element in the intent of your communication .The tone is made up of the factors including the volume, pace ,pitch and inflection .One needs to be constantly mindful of the elements creating your tone and adjust these aspects as necessary, in accord with the situation.
6/ -Use of Declarative I statement, as a method of highlighting how ‘you feel’, without blaming or attacking the other person. Such statements are a way to express your thoughts, feelings and beliefs to others, which will hopefully enable others to understand your position and get to know you better. Using such statements allows you to take responsibility for your thoughts and avoiding blame, for yourself or the other person. Notice the big shift you need to make from ”You’ ‘statements, to ”I” statements, and such transitioning can demand that you focus on practising this skill, until it becomes an integral component of your skill set. I Statement examples of components include –
*WHEN…Describe the action?
*I FEEL…Describe your feeling?
*AND WHAT I WOULD LIKE….Describe your preferred outcome?