Conflict Resolution Tips!

Tips on Conflict Resolution! Whether it be with a client, co-worker or a fellow REALTOR let's face it, conflict does happen! Here we will outline some tips on how to manage the situation when conflict happens.

You are in a people business.  You are dealing with many different types of personalities on a daily basis.  Conflicts will happen.  The important thing is how you deal with them when they do.  If you are the type of person who tends to blow up during a conflict, here are some suggestions to keep you calm:  breathe, whisper, unclench your hands, count to 10, lie down to compose yourself, give yourself 24 hours to respond.  If you tend to avoid conflict, you can:  write down what you want to say and what results you might expect - both positive and negative, try to understand that you cannot control another person's reaction or behavior -  you can only control your own, but be sure to accept and understand your part in the disagreement.

It is important to "say what you mean, mean what you say,  but don't be mean when you say it".  It always helps to come from the position of "I" not "you".  Something like, "I am having trouble with understanding your point."  rather than "You don't know what you're talking about."  At some level, you may be in the wrong so continue to listen to what they have to say.

When  you encounter a sudden, unexpected conflict, try to breathe, ask questions, don't yell or cry, communicate in a calm firm voice without attacking or avoiding the problem, modulate your voice so that they have to lean in to hear you.  Remember that the person who loses control, loses.  Do not be afraid to ask for time to contemplate the situation, don't let yourself be pressured into a response or decision that you are not ready to give.  Your goal is to turn this conflict into a win/win situation where everyone gets some of what they want and is left feeling satisfied.

Develop key responses to use in difficult situations - conflicts can happen by email, text, on the phone, on social media, in person and in front of a group.  The intricacies of how you respond may be specific to each situation, but you can think in advance of some general ways to respond.  If someone writes a nasty post on your Facebook page, you may want to simply delete it and forget about it.  If they send you a not nice text, you may want to call them and say that a text came through from them but it was difficult to read and you thought it would be better if you talked.  If someone tries to embarrass you in front of a group, you might want to ask if you could speak to them alone for a minute.  Being prepared for uncomfortable situations, makes them easier to handle when they come up, and they will come up.

Check out the Agent Rising Scorecards for more great tips on sales, motivational or technology training! Do you have any questions? We'd love to hear from you! Call or e-mail us!