by Gary Gasaway (USA)
To better understand how to deal with conflict is to focus upon negotiation and problem-solving skills. For negotiations to really be effective there must be joint problem-solving. Negotiations and problem-solving are not necessarily hard or soft, but they are a combination of each. Using both skills together, they are soft on the people, hard on the problem. In other words, instead of attacking each other, the goal is to attack the problem. The two skills work together for successful outcomes.
To negotiate and problem-solve successfully, you must have a positive attitude. In creating a positive relationship, in turn a positive attitude is needed. On the other hand, if your attitude is negative, others involved feel anxiety and may get defensive. When you have a positive attitude, it also matches your communication style. Regarding positive communication, part of preparing for the negotiation is understanding your non-verbal cues; such as using facial expressions to show you are paying attention (nodding your head, raising your eyebrows, etc.), smiling, awareness of hand gestures, and maintaining eye contact. All these non-verbal’s effect how others observe you. Then of course verbal awareness of tone and volume must also be considered.
Negotiations at any level, involve attitudes and different communication styles. So, with positive attitudes, matched with positive communication styles, any potential conflicts should be acknowledged, and actions taken.
Source: iCN Issue 24 (Relationship Coaching); pages 46-47
About Gary R. Gasaway
Gary is an author, keynote speaker, trainer, and a certified professional life coach As a retired manager from Southern California Edison, Gary used his natural talent for coaching and became a “corporate coach.”
He has previously published: The Coach’s Chronicles – A Journey Through Life’s Trials and Triumphs and The Coach’s Chronicles II – It’s Your Story! Start Writing it! Gary’s third book: The Coach’s Chronicles III – Everything Matters, was released in January 2018.
Gary has a Bachelor of Science degree in Organisational Management and a Master of Science in Leadership and Management. Gary is the founder and owner of Conflict Coaching Solutions
