Deterring Interpersonal Conflict to Enhance Productivity
Deterring Interpersonal Conflict to Enhance Productivity
Conflict rarely gets better with time. If allowed to fester by avoidance or grow by ongoing aggression, the feuding parties become more entrenched in their positions and arriving at resolution becomes more difficult. Resolution is most easily achieved early on. Here are the steps to getting it done:
SPEAK DIRECTLY - Speaking directly with the person with whom you have the problem, assuming that there is no threat of violence, will usually resolve the issue. Meet in person or talk over the phone to explain your concern in a positive, respectful way. (Anonymous letters, banging on the wall or complaining to others does not qualify.)
PLAN YOUR APPROACH - Think about what you want to say in advance. Talk about the problem as you see it and how it affects you. Help the other party understand that a problem exists and invite them to help you find a solution that you can both live with.
CHOOSE A GOOD TIME - Consider a time when you think the other person will be most receptive. A quiet place where you won't be easily disturbed, perhaps with a cup of coffee, can make it easier to talk and listen. Avoid cocktail hour.
COMMUNICATE OPENLY AND HONESTLY - Express a positive attitude about working together to find solutions. Blaming the other person makes it harder for him to hear and understand your concerns. Remain open to a different perspective than your own and try to understand it.
LISTEN - Give the other person a chance to explain their view, concerns and feelings. Summarize what you hear and ask questions to clarify your understanding. Understanding doesn't mean that you agree. But just echoing another's thoughts goes along way toward compromise.
OPEN UP - Get the issues and feelings out in the open. Don't ignore the part that seems too "difficult" or "minor." Your resolution will be durable if the issues are considered and addressed.
CONSIDER OPTIONS - Be creative and offer solutions that you both think might work. Cooperating to find a solution is much more effective than one person demanding that the other change.
BE SMART - SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Timely. For example, "Beginning tomorrow, I'll hear you out by allowing you to finish your statements and not interrupt you when you are speaking. If I forget, please let me know."
KEEP THE DOOR OPEN - Agree to revisit the issue to make sure your agreement is working. Communicate immediately if the solutions are not having the desired effect. Congratulate yourselves on working together to resolve the problem.
Building a lasting resolution from conflict can not only solve an immediate problem, but opens the door to better understanding and even, possibly, a lasting friendship. Don't preclude the latter. Build on your success and miracles can happen.
Deterring Interpersonal Conflict to Enhance Productivity - To learn more about this author, visit Millard MacAdam's Website.
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While interpersonal conflict is inevitable in any type and size of organization, there are choices all stakeholders can be encouraged to make regarding how it's best dealt with. When handled constructively, conflict can create a healthier awareness and better relationships.
Conflict rarely gets better with time. If allowed to fester by avoidance or grow by ongoing aggression, the feuding parties become more entrenched in their positions and arriving at resolution becomes more difficult. Resolution is most easily achieved early on. Here are the steps to getting it done:
SPEAK DIRECTLY - Speaking directly with the person with whom you have the problem, assuming that there is no threat of violence, will usually resolve the issue. Meet in person or talk over the phone to explain your concern in a positive, respectful way. (Anonymous letters, banging on the wall or complaining to others does not qualify.)
PLAN YOUR APPROACH - Think about what you want to say in advance. Talk about the problem as you see it and how it affects you. Help the other party understand that a problem exists and invite them to help you find a solution that you can both live with.
CHOOSE A GOOD TIME - Consider a time when you think the other person will be most receptive. A quiet place where you won't be easily disturbed, perhaps with a cup of coffee, can make it easier to talk and listen. Avoid cocktail hour.
COMMUNICATE OPENLY AND HONESTLY - Express a positive attitude about working together to find solutions. Blaming the other person makes it harder for him to hear and understand your concerns. Remain open to a different perspective than your own and try to understand it.
LISTEN - Give the other person a chance to explain their view, concerns and feelings. Summarize what you hear and ask questions to clarify your understanding. Understanding doesn't mean that you agree. But just echoing another's thoughts goes along way toward compromise.
OPEN UP - Get the issues and feelings out in the open. Don't ignore the part that seems too "difficult" or "minor." Your resolution will be durable if the issues are considered and addressed.
CONSIDER OPTIONS - Be creative and offer solutions that you both think might work. Cooperating to find a solution is much more effective than one person demanding that the other change.
BE SMART - SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Timely. For example, "Beginning tomorrow, I'll hear you out by allowing you to finish your statements and not interrupt you when you are speaking. If I forget, please let me know."
KEEP THE DOOR OPEN - Agree to revisit the issue to make sure your agreement is working. Communicate immediately if the solutions are not having the desired effect. Congratulate yourselves on working together to resolve the problem.
Building a lasting resolution from conflict can not only solve an immediate problem, but opens the door to better understanding and even, possibly, a lasting friendship. Don't preclude the latter. Build on your success and miracles can happen.
Deterring Interpersonal Conflict to Enhance Productivity - To learn more about this author, visit Millard MacAdam's Website.
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John BrennanJohn Brennan Ed.D. Dr. Brennan is President of Interpersonal Development, LLC, a training and development firm. Interpersonal Development has provided sales training and coaching to more than 3,000 sales reps from over 100 companies. A native of Australia, Dr. Brennan received his doctorate from the University of Rochester. His dissertation researched the effectiveness of Behavioral Modeling Technology in training people in interpersonal skills. While he has spent most of his career designing or delivering training, he was also a Vice-President of Sales of a training and development franchise with operations in 25 markets. Dr. Brennan has designed and delivered sales training in North America, Asia, Europe, Australia and the Middle East. He has been a guest speaker at numerous national and regional professional conferences. When Microsoft wanted Best Practices articles on sales for their web site, they called Dr. Brennan. The results are at http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/FX011387391033.aspx His firm’s clients have included Volvo, The Prudential, Merrill Lynch, Eastman Kodak, Gannett, Equifax Europe, the Economist Group and countless small businesses. - Visit John Brennan's Website |
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George LudwigGeorge Ludwig is a recognized authority on sales strategy and peak performance psychology. An international speaker, trainer, and corporate consultant, he helps clients like Johnson & Johnson, Abbott Laboratories, Northwestern Mutual, CIGNA, and numerous others improve sales force effectiveness and performance. Though it's George's strategies and processes that help corporations increase productivity and performance, it's his tremendous energy and dynamism that spark the transformation. Again and again, clients remark on his amazing ability to unleash human capacity and inspire men and women to break out of their comfort zones. The result is a whole new type of salesperson. His customized presentations teach achievers to make stunning advances in their lives. From helping salespeople realize cherished dreams to helping corporations exponentially accelerate revenue streams, George Ludwig leaves audiences and individuals empowered, emboldened, and clamoring for more. George is the best-selling author of Power Selling: Seven Strategies for Cracking the Sales Code and Wise Moves: 60 Quick Tips to Improve Your Position in Life & Business. - Visit George Ludwig's Website |
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