Conflict: Seek Understanding
March 14, 2022
Conflict…there is no escaping it in the
workplace. But conflict doesn’t have to be a negative, it can be an opportunity
for learning and growth if handled well. “Research from Columbia University
shows that how you handle conflict can make or break your career. The
researchers measured something scientifically that many of us have seen
firsthand–people who are too aggressive in conflict situations harm their
performance by upsetting and alienating their peers, while people who are too
passive at handling conflict hinder their ability to reach their goals.”
IMPACT players develop their conflict
resolution skills so they can successfully navigate difficult conversations.
One good place to start is to work to truly understand the motive or viewpoint
of the other person. To do this, try asking good questions until you get
to the heart of the matter.
“Instead of pointing
out flaws, you should seek to understand where the other person is coming
from. Try asking good questions, such as: Why did you choose to do it that
way? What do you mean by that? And can you help me to understand this
better? Even when you don’t see eye to eye, using questions to get to
the underlying motive builds trust and understanding, both of which are
conflict killers.”
To your success!