If you want to become an impactful member of this planet, you’ll make your life a lot easier by learning how to resolve conflict the right way. There’s a million wrong ways to do it, and only a few right ones. So do us all a favor and figure it out.
When you’re locking horns with someone (or many someones), the very first thing you have to do is get over yourself. You read that right, and it’s as crappy as it sounds. But if you don’t open yourself up to other people’s perspectives, you’re cutting yourself at the knees before you even start. If being open is too difficult for you, maybe try telling yourself that you’re less likely to get what you want until you open up a little.
Once you get over yourself, the hard part is done. All you have to do now is find the common ground and build from there. That’s right – finding common ground isn’t the mountain climb you’re telling yourself it is. Sure, it takes a little effort, but all good things do. You’re a creative person, and I’m confident you can figure it out.
Let’s walk through this together:
- Think of someone you’re battling with right now.
- Where are they coming from and what do they really want to get out of the arrangement?
- Within that, what can you get on board with?
Finally, when all is said-and-done, accept that if you genuinely try to find common ground and can’t, you probably need to find a different path to what you want. Walking away from a partnership can be ok sometimes. Keep in mind, though, if you’re bumping heads with a teammate, walking away likely isn’t an option (because you both serve the same employer).
You have experience that would help others. Why not share it? Share your Real Life Experience with us!
