One good communication skill for managing conflict in the workplace is to not address the conflict immediately.  Addressing conflict when it occurs helps to ensure it does not escalate and affect employee performance.  It is important to be sure to not address it too quickly though.  It is beneficial to carefully consider the situation first and give enough time for emotions to subside.  Addressing it too quickly may carry more emotion than you intended and your demeanor alone could affect the performance of your staff.  I sometimes have trouble managing my emotions.  At times I respond to quickly which can keep others from hearing my preferences or opinions and puts them on the defensive.  Other times, I can hold onto issues too long and not speak up until I am about to blow up.  In such times, I again respond with too much emotion, which confuses the issue and blocks others from seeing my point.

 

One of my “hot buttons” is not listening well enough.  I sometimes have trouble listening to co-workers or others because I’ve equated it with agreement or acceptance of what is being said.  Just listening to another person is the first, and probably, the most important step in resolving conflict.  In the future, by listening fully I will better understand the nature of the conflict and then can move on to problem solving.  One way I can ensure that I have listened fully is to start any response with a paraphrase of what I thought I heard to see if it was accurate.

 

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p8_n-QGwh-E