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!
