#20 Resources to Use to Reduce Conflict in the Workplace

As a conflict resolution consultant and accountability coach I help my clients reduce conflict in the workplace to improve their working condition.

You may be wondering what the most important tip is to reduce conflict in the workplace. We covered so many ideas in this series and all of them are tools to help you during tough conversations.

The one tool that is the king or queen of all tools is Be Direct with Respect®. It is a learned skill, a willingness to risk rejection by communicating directly yet gently. It deepens relationships and resolves issues. If you integrate the “power talk formula” into your responses, it may make difficult communication a bit easier for you.

Here is a story to help you see how this tool can help you.

Sue, a client of mine was traveling to Europe for a business trip with one of her colleagues, Mike.  Even though Sue was very excited about the trip, she was apprehensive because Mike was a very negative person. They arrived in London and were standing in line to present their passport.  Sure enough Mike started complaining about the long line and he was starting to make a scene.  Sue knew that she needed to do something yet she did not want to make Mike upset.

All of a sudden she remembered the power talk formula that she learned from a coaching session with me. She took a deep breath and said, “Mike, I agree with you that it is ridiculous that this line is so long. It is hard for all of us to travel and we are all tired. I feel frustrated when I hear all of this complaining because the complaining is bringing me down.  Let’s spend this time to find out ways on how we can help our customers when they have bottlenecks in our company.”

Mike did not get defensive because Sue did not blame Mike…she made an honest comment… with good intent.  They discussed ideas on how to help their customers and this deepened their relationship.

The next time you are in a situation like this think about verbal aikido and do your best not to push back but pull back…just like Sue did when she agreed with Mike about the long line. Remember the I am…when…because formula which will help you express yourself without making the other person feel defensive.

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Thanks for spending your time with me reading all of these articles. I hope that they will help you reduce conflict in your workplace.

If you want to go further and continue the momentum please check out the Be Direct with Respect®: Communicate with Impact E Course at Joyceweiss.com.

You will receive the following benefits after taking the course: Express yourself in a concise and respectful manner to become stronger at being direct and truthful Build mutually beneficial relationships with co workers and family members Reclaim productive time by transforming energy draining negativity and workplace bullies into positive energy Problem solve real situations and reduce conflict in the workplace Isn’t it time to get the respect that you deserve?

For those of you who want to continue your professional development please call me at 800.713.1926 to find out about my 3 month telephone coaching program.  This is for those of you who want to see dramatic communication improvement.  You will get more control in your day and experience less stress. Or you can buy it now:

Be Direct with Respect®: Communicate with Impact E Course

Until next time, this is Joyce Weiss and remember, “You get what you tolerate!”

Learn more about this topic here:

Accountability Coaching Defined

More from Joyce Weiss:

If you enjoyed this video series, you may enjoy checking out Joyce’s resources for your continuous professional development:

	Communicate with Impact: When you follow the steps in my “Communication with Impact” e-course you will transform your relationships at work and at home!
	Complementary Discovery Conversation: Think your company is different? Want to take your team to the next level of success? Schedule a Complementary Discovery Conversation with Joyce Weiss and discover what’s possible for your work group.
	Full Speed Ahead: When you read my book, Full Speed Ahead:  Become Driven by Change you’ll discover how to achieve your personal and professional best.
	Take The Ride of Your Life: Get the book, Take the Ride of Your Life, by Joyce Weiss and discover how you can take more control in your life.