Even with spiritual management and an atmosphere of positivity embraced in the workplace, conflict will arise. We at Technalink know that when many different minds meld together, some are bound to clash in perspective and ideas, but it’s the job of your soulful leadership to diffuse these conflicts in a way that shows your compassion and embraces your compassionate leadership. 5 tools and strategies for compassionate conflict resolution you can use in your workplace are:
1. Don’t assume you know the whole story
Assuming, rather than listening, can really throw a wrench in your compassionate conflict resolution. Open communication and a willingness to hear all points of view is the only way you’ll be able to resolve the conflict in a way that is fair and empathetic. Before trying to find a solution, simply sit down and listen to the honest communication of all parties involved, and ask questions to ensure you’re getting the full story. Once you have a good grasp on just what is going on, only then begin on resolving the conflict in the best possible way.
2. Don’t use aggression
If one party in the conflict is clearly in the wrong, it may be tempting to use an aggressive or controlling tactic, but this goes against all that compassionate leadership stands for. Rather than being aggressive, approach the resolution in a friendly and open way, and you’ll find that what you’re saying isn’t falling on deaf ears. By remaining open and positive, you’re opening the door to real learning and a resolution that is long-term rather than short-term.
3. Encourage empathy
Encouraging compassion and empathy can be one of your greatest conflict resolution tools, allowing you to have each person place themselves in the other’s shoes. By doing this, you’re allowing both parties in the conflict to see from the other side, which may help them to come to a valuable resolution on their own.
4. Express your ideas
Rather than telling your ideas, express them in a way that allows for open communication between yourself and the conflicting parties. This resolution brainstorming session can help to present additional ideas to achieve long-term resolution goals, and those that will work for all parties involved. Also, it allows employees to have a say in their conflict resolution, and they won’t be left feeling like they’re misunderstood or being told how to feel.
5. Listen to understand, not to talk
One big part of compassionate leadership is listening to understand, rather than listening to speak, and this skill really comes in handy with conflict resolution. While the parties are telling their sides, don’t simply listen for the next chance to speak, fully immerse yourself in what they are saying.
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