Healthier Relationships Lead to Less Conflict

Healthier Relationships Lead to Less Conflict

Source: ConvergenceCoaching, LLC Inspired Ideas

The following includes excerpts, reproduced with permission, from a blog entry by Sylvia Lane.

Often, we are consulted to help manage and resolve conflict situations and have even developed an eight-step methodology for approaching conflict conversations. Having struggled through the difficulties of repairing broken relationships, I decided to focus on ways in which to make my relationships stronger. I wanted to do this before they were so damaged by addressing the following questions: How can I avoid conflict? What are some of the signals that indicate potential conflict? How can I become more adept at recognizing these signs before they reach the point of crisis?

Think of the most rewarding relationships you have. What makes them fun? How are you different with these people and why? What makes you be different with people with whom you experience extreme conflict?

In my own relationships, the ones in which I feel I have been able to prevent conflict are characterized by the following attributes:

1. Mutual caring and respect
2. A feeling of emotional safety
3. A willingness to be up-front and honest without fear of hostility
4. An acceptance of constructive criticism as well-meaning
5. A belief that we have each other's best interest at heart
6. Support for creative expression
7. Acknowledgement of uncomfortable thoughts or feelings
8. Listening carefully to each other without interruption
9. A willingness to problem-solve, even if it's difficult
10. Testing new actions that we've agreed upon
11. Continuing to share our feelings, what we appreciate about our relationship and what's not working how we'd like it to

To prevent conflict, opt for clarity and practice being in communication, coming from a belief that you both have each other's best interest in mind.

For the complete article, read “Preventing Conflict.”

From Convergence Coaching, LLC Inspired Ideas, http://blog.convergencecoaching.com, May 25, 2011.