“How you handle the conflicts in your life dramatically affects the quality of your life.” ~ LMB
Conflict often has a bad rap. Countless people see disputes as destroyers of relationships—at home, in the office, and in the world. Couples fear that conflict is a sign that their relationship is in trouble. Team leaders often try to squash friction with their staff the moment it rears its head. Friends believe that venting to anyone other than the friend they have the upset with saves the friendship. And many people believe that avoiding conflict at all costs is the best approach to handling discord.
Conflicts, however, can be builders or destroyers. You’re down the path of destruction when you shut down, blow up, placate, dismiss, avoid, pretend, intimidate, blame, etc. The destruction path makes managing discord in a healthy way nearly impossible. Responses designed to shut down or brush discord under the carpet ultimately create more upset down the road, not less.
Managing upsets well, though, is a powerful builder. The untold secret is that discord is the pathway to intimacy, powerful teams, stronger friendships, and successful leadership. Addressing upset head-on with honesty, compassion, and accountability enhances relationships at every level: Individuals feel heard, solutions become possible, and trust is built. These skills are game-changers.
Challenge:
- Be careful how you approach the strife in your life.
- Face disagreements head-on; don’t run.
- Learn to master the skills necessary to turn discord into opportunity.
- Refrain from fooling yourself into thinking that avoiding conflict builds anything other than a pile of unresolved issues waiting to resurface.
FREE CALL: Transform How You Handle Conflict
Join me for a free call on Thursday, September 19th, 2024, from 2-3 pm EDT, where we’ll explore what it takes to transform your relationships before it’s too late.
