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- The Curiosity Collective #004
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1 Thing I Am Curious About
Why is conflict perceived as negative?
2 Quotes That I Am Thinking About
"Conflict is not the enemy; avoidance of conflict is the real enemy." - Craig Groeschel
“I don’t think anyone ever gets completely used to conflict. If it’s not a little uncomfortable, then it’s not real. The key is to keep doing it anyway.” – Patrick Lencioni
Not all Conflict is Negative
Have you ever considered that conflict could actually be beneficial for your growth and development?
It may sound counterintuitive, but hear me out. As a leader, I've come to realize that conflict can be a valuable tool for identifying and solving problems, fostering creativity and innovation, and encouraging open communication.
Think of it like a storm brewing in the distance. Sure, it can be scary and unpredictable, but it also provides much-needed rain and ultimately nourishes the land. Similarly, conflict can be the catalyst for much-needed change and growth. It forces us to think critically, confront our weaknesses, and ultimately learn and grow as individuals.
I remember a time when I was working with a team and we were having trouble making decisions because we had differing opinions. It was difficult because we didn't want to offend each other or cause any conflict, so we avoided the issue. However, this only caused more frustration and we couldn't seem to make any progress.
Finally, I decided to bring up the problem in our next team meeting. We all shared our thoughts and feelings, and we were able to identify the root of the issue. We realized that we needed to communicate more openly and actively listen to each other in order to make decisions together.
Bringing a conflict to light rarely causes more conflict. We all create narratives in our heads that can be much worse than the actual reaction or responses of the individuals. Bring it up and provide space for others to sort it out.
If you're looking to manage conflict effectively, here are some actionable steps to consider:
Acknowledge the conflict and actively listen to understand everyone's perspective.
Focus on the issue at hand, not the person, and work together to find a solution that works for everyone.
Once a solution has been agreed upon, make sure to follow up and ensure that it's being implemented.
But what if you want to take your conflict resolution to the next level? Consider these advanced steps:
Identify the underlying values and interests driving the conflict.
Use active listening techniques to fully engage in the conversation.
Manage emotions and remain calm and rational.
Use a problem-solving framework, like collaborative problem-solving, to approach conflict in a productive and efficient manner.
Embrace conflict like the storm on the horizon, and see it as a chance to nourish the land and foster growth. By managing conflict effectively, you can build stronger relationships, foster better communication, and ultimately achieve better outcomes.
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