Embracing Conflict: Effective Mitigation Strategies for Leaders
Being a great leader doesn’t mean you won’t face difficult conversations or discord. In fact, a well-functioning work environment will have plenty of disagreements on the path to success.
Conflict tends to arise when core values are threatened or questioned, which can inspire some rather strong reactions from anyone involved. The best thing you can do for your organization is encourage conflict mitigation, and allow all parties involved to work through the issues – not around them.
Conflict is necessary for company and individual growth
It can be uncomfortable – when tensions rise and differing perspectives lead to a bubbling conflict. But the truth is that leaning into conflict (with the right approach) can be a great way to start thought-provoking, productive conversations with beneficial results.
You see, we rarely enter into conflict over things that are not important to us, so it’s safe to say that conflict can be a great tool for learning what others care about.
When you approach conflict with the intention of listening and learning, you’ll find that even altercations and moments of tension can be used to progress relationships, build trust and understanding, and move the company forward as a whole.
Let’s explore some valuable techniques for successfully handling conflict in a way that leads to growth and development for everyone involved.
Effective techniques for successful conflict mitigation
Stay grounded, calm, and present
Oftentimes we get overheated during conflict, constantly thinking about our next rebuttal or argument. Being able to bring yourself back to the present moment and stay focused on what’s happening will help keep your cool and allow for mature, respectful communication.
Here’s a Positive Intelligence tip that can help ground you in the here and now:
Rub your fingers together and focus on the tactile sensation it creates – centering yourself and keeping thoughts in the present. This will allow you to focus on listening, instead of reacting.
Practice deep listening
Deep listening goes far beyond simply hearing what the other person says. You also need to pay attention to more than words, because the tone, body language, and facial expressions can all help you tune into how someone feels and what they need.
You already know where you stand, because we’ve established that this is an important topic to you. Rehearsing your own thoughts and words while listening is counter-productive, and will likely lead to miscommunications and misunderstandings.
Repeat what you hear and validate it
Saying the other person’s words back to them is highly effective in actively showing that you are truly listening, and increases mutual respect and acceptance.
This is important though – don’t rephrase their words or say what you think they mean. Say exactly what they say, in their own words first. Then, you can add validation by acknowledging what it sounds like they’re feeling.
Be patient and curious
Jumping to conclusions doesn’t help resolve conflict, it only escalates it. Instead, take an active approach in learning as much as you can from the other person. Ask questions, dig deeper, and allow them time and space to answer questions fully before responding.
You may even ask the question, “What else?” from time to time, so they know you want to go deeper.
Present your thoughts and share what’s important to you
If you’ve stayed focused, listened, validated what you’ve heard, and clarified further, it’s finally time to inject your own thoughts and feelings into the conversation.
If you take this step too soon, it can lessen the impact of your words, so it’s best to wait patiently and gather information first. Then, be respectful but clear, and communicate how you feel with confidence.
It takes practice, but effective conflict mitigation occurs when both parties feel heard.
That means validating what you hear while still standing your ground and validating your own feelings at the same time.
Try incorporating these techniques when you face your next workplace conflict. However challenging or tense conversations may be, the best way to keep your company moving forward is through practicing and encouraging healthy conflict mitigation for all team members.