Speak Up, Stay Close
One of the most important aspects of life is relationships.
Regardless of who you are, where you are, and what you do, you are directly or indirectly involved in relationships. And one of the strongest indicators of a healthy relationship is its ability to deal with conflict.
Growing up, I discovered very early that the way to win approval from adults was simple: do exactly what they said, cause little to no trouble, and follow the rules.
(P.S. If you struggle with the need for validation, you should read this.)
This made me quite “responsible” and was one of the many reasons I excelled academically. But truth be told, I quietly questioned many things and never dared to speak up.
Years later, I realized this desire not to ruffle feathers had evolved into a full-blown avoidance of conflict.
However, life has a way of throwing conflicts into our paths, and I eventually had to make a choice: continue running and avoiding them, or face them head-on.
I’ve discovered that living an authentic life means we can’t avoid conflicts and the difficult conversations necessary to resolve them.
Conflicts are opportunities to voice our authenticity and strengthen our relationships. Yet most of us have never been equipped to handle these conversations effectively.
Here are three strategies anyone can use to navigate difficult conversations:
#1 - Address the problem, not the person
Avoid personal attacks. Keep your conversation, comments, and points focused solely on the issue at hand.
#2 - Mind your delivery
The right message delivered the wrong way will only escalate tensions. Your tone, body language, and overall delivery must align with your intention.
#3 - Admit the part you played
Remember that every conflict has three sides: your perspective, the other person’s, and the truth. Acknowledging your contribution to the situation can ease the entire conversation.
Conflicts are an unavoidable part of meaningful relationships. They are not to be ignored but to be fully embraced.
Rooting for you always!
