Conflict resolution techniques help my clients cope especially when they are surrounded by complainers and the other usual negative suspects.

Below you will find two of my favorite expressions that I share with my clients who want to ditch negative people in their life.
1.  Don’t walk away from grumpy people, RUN!
2. Resolving conflict is like riding a bike:  Shift gears to successfully navigate life’s potholes, ruts, and obstacles.

This article contains three conflict resolution techniques that I use in my coaching sessions to help clients protect themselves from those toxic downers.

Conflict Resolution Techniques #1:  Protecting Yourself

Write the name of a person who brings you down. Plan to protect yourself from this person’s negativity.  Take back your power. Only you can make yourself feel insecure.  Tell yourself that no one makes you feel inferior without your consent.

Conflict Resolution Techniques #2:  Finding People Who Appreciate You

Make a list of people who you like being around.  Replace people who pull you down with people who encourage and appreciate you. The choice, in many cases, is up to you.  They may be your colleagues who support your efforts at work or friends who like you for your unique style.

Identify cheerleaders in your life. Notice what they do to encourage you. Let them know how they have impacted your life.

Conflict Resolution Techniques #3:  Preparing a Response to Stop Negatoids

Notice the people in your life who are raining on your parade, who tell you something can’t be done or that’s impossible. Give them plenty of space, with a suggestion such as “Don’t’ tell me it’s impossible until after I’ve done it!”

Let the cynics and downers spin themselves into their own negative web. They delight in complaining while others are doing what seemed impossible.

“Happy people feel that they can direct the course of their own lives and get where they are going, even though the going may be rough. People who are obsessed with their mistakes, who are stuck on the missed opportunities of the past, have no time to be happy. The past is unchangeable. Trying to change it is the source of most unhappiness.”

Sherwin T. Wine, Founder, The Center for New Thinking

I want to hear from you

Send me your questions or comments here on how you cope with negative people at work or home.  This is a challenge for all of us and there is always hope when we gain control from these toxic people.
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This is Joyce Weiss, Corporate Communication Strategist and Career Coach

LEARN MORE how Joyce can help your company eliminate destructive conflict in the workplace here.

Until next time, Remember…”You Get What You Tolerate!”