Conflict can be healthy or unhealthy. Most seek to avoid conflict because it creates tension and discomfort.
But if you approach it with a structured framework, then it becomes more of a game of redirection — away from the ‘ego’ and ‘likeability’ concerns, and more towards the fundamental problem.
Here are some strategies I apply to get out of my own wants and beliefs and target the problem with tactical empathy, integrity, trust, and respect.
Navigating Conflicts with Skill and Empathy
📝 Adopt a strategic mindset: Focus on the problem, not the person. Approach with a problem-solving attitude and active listening.
🧠 Cultivate empathy: Understand the other party's motivations, perspectives, and assumptions. See the situation from their point of view.
🤝 Seek alignment: Find common ground and align goals. Explore collaborative, win-win solutions.
📞 Choose the right channel: Consider face-to-face, video conference, or pre-meetings. Involve necessary stakeholders.
👂 Practice active listening: Pay attention to words, emotions, and nonverbal cues. Paraphrase to ensure understanding.
Always start by thinking about the other person. What is their motivations, perspective, assumptions, patterns of behavior? Often, the real issue and goal is emotionally driven.
You can come to alignment more effectively by focusing on the root cause. Simply understanding where they are coming from has a phenomenal impact on the outcome.