Explain one communication skill for managing conflict in the workplace.
I believe one of the most valuable communication skills to have is the ability to listen. Listen attentively, seeking to clearly understand what is being said by everyone involved. It is important to make sure that everyone believes they are being heard and understood even if they are not right in their actions. Being able to listen to what the person is saying instead of preparing to react.” Listen without interrupting to avoid making the person feel you are dismissing what is being said.
Identify one of your “hot buttons”. Explain how you would prepare to manage the identified “hot button” in the future using conflict management techniques.
One of my hot buttons is when someone doesn’t stick to an agreement, especially if I have had a discussion with a co-worker regarding a certain situation and we have communicated on how we are going to move forward and handle the situation in the future but they continue with the unfavorable behavior. This makes me believe you have decided to ignore our agreement and my authority and continue doing what you desire. In the future, I would manage my hot buttons by being sure that I have clearly communicated my expectations. I can’t assume that the other persons understand what I am saying.
Listening is by far the best communication skill to have! There is a difference between listening and listening attentively as you mentioned. We should be truly listening to them instead of trying to figure out what we are saying next. I can understand your hot button completely. People going back on agreements can be very frustrating to say the least. I, like you expect people to be honest and keep their word. You have a good plan to manage your hot buttons in a future. Clear communication is always needed and at times I know that I don’t communicate the best. This is a goal that I will also work on. Thank you for your post!
I agree as well, good listening involves more than just keeping quiet as many think that is sufficient. Even after actively listening there is something we always miss or misunderstand. This is why it is extremely important to stay on top of cultivating this skill. Everyone who works directly with people will need this skill because conflicts are part of daily life. It just depends how we can avoid or remedy them.