Article By: Alex Massey

Definition of Conflict

Noun

1. A serious disagreement or argument, typically a protracted one.

As children, most of us have been programmed to avoid conflict. However, conflict can be used to understand how the potential person you’re looking to work with handles issues or resolves escalated conflicts, creating win / win results for all involved and continuing to operate successfully together.

In my young business starting years I went through a lot of missed appointments, failed business ventures due to partner(s) not completing task asked of them, being told something was done but receiving nothing,  hearing the “we will make millions dream” in exchange for upfront payment for services, and etc. (the list would be to long to list, lol)

Ultimately the core is missed expectations and how a person handles those issues or the conflicts that arise from them will determine how successful the relationship will be. Reflecting on a few conflicts in my life I realized that; it simply could’ve been handled differently, so it may be a wise thing to test the mindset of a potential partner before you’re in too deep.

Note: You’re not trying to destroy the relationship… be careful, if done well it can definitely build the relationship’s trust in each other and the joint belief that success is achievable working together.

Every single relationship you have will experience some sort of conflict, especially your business relationships. That is not a bad thing when handled properly.

Here is a 3-step method to handling conflict that will aid you in building and sustaining successful business relationships:

1. Discuss the impact.

When you are at a point of conflict, whether it is over something that was done, not done, said, or not said, move the focus to the impact it’s having on you and your partner. This goes both ways. Don’t just share your concern and how it impacts you, but allow your partner to do the same. Be quiet when they’re sharing and listen. This will allow you both to see it from the other person’s perspective.

                                                                                                                       

 

2. Discuss the desire.

After you’ve expressed your concern and how it impacted you, what do you want to happen? What does your partner want to happen? Allow your partner to share what they desire. Ask them, “How would they have liked this situation to play out or what result would they like to receive in the future?” You share the same from your perspective with them.

3. Discuss the action.

Now that you’ve discussed your concern, the potential impact, and your desire to make it right or better for all involved, it’s now time to discuss what you are willing to do. You didn’t like how things played out, and you shared with your partner(s) a better way to resolve the conflict. Now you must be willing to take action to create the outcome in your relationship that you both desire that will lead to success. 

 

Connect, Evaluate, Focus and Grow

Positive Relationships Produce Infinite Possibilities!