Managing conflict
Disagreement between people is inevitable, but when this becomes persistent conflict, it is extremely uncomfortable, and can lead to total communication breakdown or worse: it should be avoided if at all possible.
In order to do this, you need to accept that the issues the other person has are real to them, no matter how far from reality you think they are. When you do discuss things, you need to take away any aggression and avoid personal attacks as these will lead to a failure to resolve.
When resolving issues, a few things need to be in place:
1. A neutral meeting place - or at the very least a meeting place that you are both happy with. Starting the meeting on 'home' turf may not be the best way to begin.
2. Mutual respect - You must respect both yourself and the person you are having difficulties with.
3. Legitimate disagreement - Whichever way you look at it, there are certain things that you are seeing from different ends of the spectrum, and both of you think you are right. You must accept disagreement as natural and inevitable, as we are all made up in different ways.
4. Psychological contract - You need to agree ground rules for when you sit down to discuss things. One of them must be a contract to work on the issue for mutual resolution and mutual benefit.
The working towards resolution must avoid any personal attacks and be completely dedicated to resolving the issue; only then can conflict be acceptably resolved for both parties.
Contact us today on 0208 544 2644 or email us at contact@lockleyassociates.co.uk to discuss how we can help you achieve your goals.