#19 Tools to Use During Tough Conversations: A Key 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.

We learned in the previous articles that people who hold on to grudges waste a lot of energy living in the past and blaming others. Happy people don’t carry grudges and are more open to resolving conflict. They know how to let things go and move on.

When you deal with bullies do your best to get into the gap by taking a breath and decide how you want to respond. Pushing back or remaining silent will not get the results that you want.

Remember that you have many options to use.

1. Review and use the power talk formula:
   I am…when…because
   “I am frustrated when I give ideas to the team because the interruptions stop our creativity and collaboration.”
2. Use verbal aikido and agree with the bully or negative person.
   “You are right I can see how my enthusiasm can be a bit too much at times.”
   By agreeing you pulled back.  You did not lose control…you just agreed.

The bully may respect you after you use these tools because you didn’t let him or her crush your ideas and self-esteem.

I hope that these tips will help you during tough conversations. The next article will give you resources to use to reduce conflict in the workplace.

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

More on this topic:

If you enjoyed this article, you may enjoy the following articles.

Do You Want to Improve Team Morale by Reducing Conflict in the Workplace?

5 Steps to Reduce Conflict in the Workplace:  A Simple Process to Remove Barriers

Enjoy this short podcast on improving communication skills by using power talk