Conflict Management Through Communication
Conflict Management Through Communication that can be used to reduce conflict in professional relationships!
Here are two specific forms of Conflict Management Through Communication that can be used to reduce conflict in professional relationships
Let’s face it, communication is important.
Conflict Management Through Communication
When we don’t have a healthy form of it all of our relationships suffer including personal and professional.
Conflict is inevitable even in the best of relationships so we have to know how to communicate during the difficult conversations we experience while in conflict with someone.
Here are some things to keep in mind:
There are many styles of contact that people have with one another when communicating during a conflict of sorts.
Below we will illustrate to you two communication styles in particular.
Collaboration and Obliging
An individual with a knowledge of these styles can select the style most appropriate for a specific conflict.
It is also possible, once a style is identified, to better understand the motivations of others during conflict.
1. Collaboration:
Collaboration is the win/win conflict manager style.
Individuals who choose this style seek an exchange of information.
There is a desire to examine differences and reach a solution that is acceptable to all parties.
This style is typically associated with problem-solving and is effective when issues are complex.
Creative Thinking
The collaborative style encourages creative thinking.
Developing alternatives is one of the strengths of this style.
Its emphasis on all parties synthesises information from divergent perspectives.
However, it is not an effective style when a party lacks commitment or when time is limited.
Collaboration takes time.
Emotional Commitment
It can be a frustrating style during higher levels of conflict when reason and rational considerations are often overshadowed by emotional commitments to a position.
The collaborative style rallies people to find solutions to complex issues.
It is excellent when people and the problem are clearly separate, and usually fruitless when people really want to fight.
The collaborative style can be a positive motivator in brainstorming or problem-solving sessions.
Just be sure everyone with an interest in the situation is included.
Phrases you can use to trigger the collaborative conflict management style include:
“There seem to be different opinions here, let’s get to the bottom of this.”
or
“Let’s get several people from each department together and discuss the options.”
Check out this Easy to Use Guide to Conflict Resolution
2. Obliging
The second communication style obliging, also called placating, is another style of conflict management through communication.
The act of obliging places a high value on others but a low value on self, perhaps reflecting an individual’s low self-esteem.
It’s also a strategy that can be used to deliberately elevate another person, making them feel better about an issue.
The use of obliging by raising another’s status is useful, especially if your position within the company is not a politically precarious one.
This style is useful if a manager is unsure of a position or fears a mistake has been made.
Survey Alternatives
By using the obliging style, the manager passively accepts the power of others, buying time to assess situations and survey alternatives.
The obliging style gives power to others.
If you’ve got expendable power, it can build trust and confidence in others.
If you are secure in your position, it can be used as a method of delegation.
Phrases that signal the obliging style include:
“I don’t care, whatever you want.”
or
“You’re the expert, what do you think?”
These two easy ways of conflict management through communication can ease tensions in both personal and professional altercations.
Having a few communication techniques to smooth over the hard times of conflict, can be a win-win for everyone!
This article was contributed by Sandra L. Brown
Read this Comprehensive Article on Conflict
Top Ways to Deal with Conflict – and Harness Its Potential!
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Conflict Management Through Communication
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