From Bits & Pieces About Conflict
The following is from Bits & Pieces, published by The Economic Press:
Welcome a disagreement. Maybe something you haven’t thought about that will save you a terrible mistake.
Distrust your first instinctive impression. Don’t let your ego take over and be defensive.
Control your temper.
Listen first. Don’t resist, defend, or debate. This only raises barriers instead of building bridges.
Look for areas of agreement. Dwell first on points on which you agree.
Be honest. Admitting errors and apologizing for mistakes helps disarm and reduce defensiveness.
Promise to think over your opponent’s ideas and study them carefully and do it. You may be wrong.
Thank your opponent sincerely for their interest. You may turn opponents into friends.
Postpone action to give both sides time to think through the problem.
Tags: children, communication, conflict, education, people skills
Effective Communication | lifeskills | May 22, 2009
