This 2-Minute Monday Mindset is about changing your perspective about business conflict.
Conflict is Opportunity
A lot of people don’t realize that negotiation and conflict resolution aren’t just about a decision to be made. They are also about relationships. No matter what the subject matter, negotiation and conflict are about those two things: a decision and a relationship.
Resolving conflicts is harder in today’s environment. We live in world of argument, people cutting off or cutting ties with those they disagree, and one-upping the other guy or gal. They choose to burn bridges rather than build them.
So it should be no surprise that many have a culture of conflict and disconnect. What is missed is that conflict creates opportunity.
People value or devalue others based upon how they handle conflict and how they treat people when conflict exists. Anyone can be gracious, professional and caring when things are rosey. It’s a whole different ballgame though isn’t it when things are tough, tense or tenacious.
What’s missed is the ability to improve communication, build understanding, and strengthen relationships.
Since life is filled with conflict, isn’t this a better way to approach it?
Conflict in life can’t be avoided. So don’t avoid conflict, change your view of it: View conflict as creating an opportunity.
An opportunity to show that you handle conflict with respect and understanding.
An opportunity to show that when conflict arises you are constructive not destructive.
So the next time conflict is created with someone, don’t just attack or avoid it. Instead, seize the opportunity and see it for what it is: a chance to listen, connect and move forward together.
That doesn’t mean you have to agree with each other. It DOES mean you need to treat each other with respect and understanding even when the other side isn’t. Because YOU now know that conflict creates opportunity.
And I’ll see YOU at the next 2MMM!
