Conflict is a normal part of any relationship, whether professional or familial. Although it can make us uncomfortable, conflict isn’t necessarily bad. A good, healthy conflict will help you grow stronger, moving your business and family forward in a positive direction.
The key to successfully navigating conflict is communication. Try our 7 tips to handle conflict through effective communication to guide you through your next conflict.
- Use I-Language. I-language is about owning your feelings, rather than attacking or blaming another person. Try using “I feel frustrated when …” to own the feeling and work towards a successful conclusion. The person you communicate with will feel less defensive and more willing to work with you to find a solution.
- Talk about it…and listen. Sit down and put away your phone. By giving your attention to person you need to communicate with, you are showing them you respect what they’re saying. You do not need to agree, but trying to honestly hear what someone has to say can eliminate barriers to your conversation.
- Avoid sarcasm. Yes, sarcasm is the second language of many. However, sarcasm in a conflict can muddy the waters and take the focus off the conflict. Since you want to solve the problem at hand effectively, save the sarcasm for later.
- Don’t get defensive. When we are experiencing conflict, it is easy to get defensive. It will read in your entire body – from the way you hold yourself to your facial expressions and the tone of your voice. By getting defensive, your employee or family member will not hear what you are saying.
- Don’t accuse or generalize. When conflicts arise, it is often the accumulation of many events. When you get down to having a conversation about the conflict, it is built up inside and you are remembering many events. That makes it easy to say “you always forget to …” or “when will you stop…”
- Don’t call each other names. If you want to work effectively with this person in the future, you want to solve the conflict. This is even more imperative when you also live with the person or people you work with. By calling each other names, you are belittling them and showing them they aren’t worth your respect.
- Follow up. It’s okay to need space after a conflict. Walk away…take a breather. When you have calmed down, follow up. A conflict does not need to be solved in the heat of the moment.
We are here to help you with all your farming needs. Contact us today for more information on successfully navigating issues that arise on the farm.
