Joyce Weiss

I work with organizations and individuals who want to kick conflict and chaos to the curb - Communication Strategist and Master Coach

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July 31, 2018 By Joyce Weiss

A Powerful Strategy to Be in Control When Others Try to Push Your Hot Buttons

conflict resolution skill | be in control | bullies in the workplace | verbal aikido
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Hot buttons – we all have them.  How do you react when someone pushes yours?

  • Do you push back?
  • Do you remain silent?
  • Do you think of the best answer on your way home?

Do you wish you could react to toxic situations with more control?

If so, you’re in the right place!

Here are three powerful communication strategies to help you be in control:

Strategy #1 to be in control:  Pretend you’re in their situation

Figure out why they are behaving this way.  Ask yourself, “How would I feel if I were in their shoes?”  This could help you respond in a way that is more helpful since you understand how they may feel.

Strategy #2 to be in control:  Use the GAP Technique be in control

The GAP is a moment when we step back and take a deep breath to decide what we want to say.  This is the time to be in control and take a quick moment to think before the wrong words pour out of our mouth.

A stimulus is something that happens to us – someone interrupts us for example.
The response is how we react – what you will say to the interrupter.

I use the following sentence when others interrupt me:  “I want to hear what you have to say after I finish my story.”

The GAP is one of my personal favorite communication strategies because it saves me embarrassment by stopping me from saying something that may not be the best response.

Strategy #3 to be in control:  Don’t explain or defend yourself when something goes wrong be in control

Calmly acknowledge, apologize and act – never explain.  Explanations come across as excuses.  Agree if what they say is somewhat true.  Don’t blame it on someone else, even when you know who made the mistake.

Use Strategy #3 when a client complains that your company is late with a project: say, “You’re right.  We dropped the ball and will do whatever it takes to resolve this issue.  I will send it to you by 3 pm today.  Here is my cell phone.  Please call me anytime.  You are in good hands with me.”

Let’s Get Real

There are times when we don’t respond as well as possible especially when others push our buttons. These are learning moments!  We can always improve especially when we analyze what went wrong during a tough communication.

Stay tuned for next week’s blog when I describe verbal aikido to give you the strength to be in control.

I want to hear from you

Add a comment to my blog on how you stay in control when others push you. You will receive a response from me because I enjoy connecting with my readers! 🙂  You are always welcome to send me a private email here with concerns that you are experiencing at work.

Please share this and any article that speaks to you or your company

Loyal readers like you help us find more people who could benefit from these posts. Help us help them reduce conflict and improve leadership skills and quality of life.

 

This is Joyce Weiss
Corporate Communication Strategist and Career Coach

Have a Great week.

Until next time, Remember – “You Get What You Tolerate!”

PS Do you want more information on how to resolve conflict or advance your career?
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Filed Under: Communication Strategies, Conflict in the Workplace
Tagged With: conflict in the workplace, resolve conflict and interpersonal issues

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Joyce Wins Best of MichBusiness Award

Congratulations Joyce Weiss! Recipient of the ‘Best of MichBusiness 2016 One Person Wonder’ Award!   Read more...

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Certified Speaking Professional Designation through the National Speaker’s Association

Certified Speaking Professional Designation through the National Speaker’s Association

CE Instructor through Professional and Continuing Education (PACE)

CE Instructor through Professional and Continuing Education (PACE)

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Joyce Weiss
6737 Oyster Cove
West Bloomfield, MI 48323

Email: joyce@joyceweiss.com
Phone: 1-248-681-5831

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