How do you adjust your communication for different conflicts?

Communication is a vital skill for resolving and preventing conflicts, whether in personal, professional, or social settings. However, not all conflicts are the same, and neither are the communication strategies that can help you deal with them. In this article, you will learn how to adjust your communication for different conflicts, based on four factors: the type, the level, the context, and the goal of the conflict.

1 Type of conflict

Conflicts come in various forms, depending on the source and nature of the disagreement. Task conflict is when there is a difference of opinion or approach about how to complete a task or achieve a goal. Relationship conflict arises from clashes of personalities, values, or emotions that affect interpersonal rapport or trust. Process conflict is when there is a dispute about the procedures, rules, or norms that govern the work or interaction. Status conflict happens when there is a challenge or threat to the perceived or actual power, authority, or recognition of a person or group. Each type of conflict requires its own communication style and tone. For instance, task conflict can be addressed through constructive criticism, logical arguments, and evidence-based solutions while relationship conflict needs empathy, active listening, and respectful feedback. Process conflict can be addressed by clarifying expectations, roles, and responsibilities while status conflict requires acknowledging contributions, addressing concerns, and negotiating outcomes.

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Valerie Williams

Medical assistant
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One thing i have found helpful is to listen and relate to the person. So people have feelings that are more emotional then others. You need to treat each person as they are. I can talk to someone about a concern in a more matter fact way then I can with a person who is more tender. Nothing wrong with either, just need to read your employees. That's your job.

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Jacob Coldwell

Listening "the Key to Transform Your Communication" | Follow for Daily Insights on Mastering Unprecedented Listening | **Join the New Pilot Course & Community to Finish Writing Your Book**
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In my experience, as important breaking down the types of conflict can be, addressing the internal conflict that someone holds is often the key to unlock beneficial outcomes. There’s a reason someone holds a unique perspective and approach. Find it. At least hear what someone thinks and understand what matters most. There’s a much greater chance to leverage the strengths of each perspective and come to a stronger outcome. #listening #communication

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2 Level of conflict

Conflicts can range from mild disagreements to heated arguments to long-standing disputes, and the level of conflict can impact the emotional state, communication style, and willingness to cooperate of the parties involved. Therefore, you need to adjust your communication according to the intensity and duration of the conflict. For low-level conflict, a calm, friendly, and cooperative tone should be used while focusing on finding common ground and win-win solutions. When facing medium-level conflict, a firm, assertive, and respectful tone should be adopted while addressing the issues and exploring alternatives. For high-level conflict, a cautious, diplomatic, and professional tone is necessary for de-escalating the situation, restoring trust, and seeking mediation.

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Jacob Coldwell

Listening "the Key to Transform Your Communication" | Follow for Daily Insights on Mastering Unprecedented Listening | **Join the New Pilot Course & Community to Finish Writing Your Book**
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Giving others the time and space to be heard is more important than what you communicate in that moment. Think about how often you walk away from a situation when someone gives attention to what you have to say. There isn't a blanket approach to a sure-fire win. Each conflict and every conversation will be unique. People struggle in conflict because they are looking for the right way to go. They want the other person to win, and they also want to win themselves. But if there is no space for understanding, the same conflict you are in will not change.

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3 Context of conflict

Conflicts can arise in various settings and situations, such as at home, at work, or in public. The context of conflict can influence the norms, expectations, and consequences of communication, so it's important to adjust your communication accordingly. For example, when the conflict is personal, you may communicate with an informal and expressive tone and use emotional language, humor, and stories to express your feelings, needs, and preferences. In a professional context, it's best to communicate with a business-like and objective tone while using factual language, logic, and data to share your opinions, arguments, and proposals. When the conflict is social in nature, you should use a polite, courteous, and respectful tone while utilizing neutral language, common sense, and norms to convey your values, boundaries, and rights.

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Jacob Coldwell

Listening "the Key to Transform Your Communication" | Follow for Daily Insights on Mastering Unprecedented Listening | **Join the New Pilot Course & Community to Finish Writing Your Book**
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Often, a conflict happens before you know it. Most conflicts don't announce themselves and allow you time to prepare to be your best. So it's challenging in the middle of a conflict to add a level of professionalism. It's hard when tension is near breaking point to open your mind. Recognizing how you are perceiving a conflict is vital to showing up with authenticity. When you are caught up in a reaction, your personal growth or lack of it will determine the reaction to stress. It's important to be yourself in conflict rather than trying to balance a guess of what someone may or may not appreciate. Slowing down and stepping back will help regain a conscious mind and make space for a more intuitive nature.

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4 Goal of conflict

Conflicts can have different purposes and outcomes, depending on what you want to achieve or avoid. You may want to persuade someone to accept your point of view, negotiate a mutually beneficial agreement, collaborate with someone to solve a problem, or avoid the negative effects of the conflict. Each goal requires a different communication strategy and technique. To persuade, you can use rhetorical devices, appeals, and incentives. To negotiate, you can use bargaining, trade-offs, and concessions. To collaborate, you can use brainstorming, feedback, and consensus. To avoid, you can use silence, withdrawal, or diversion. By adjusting your communication for different conflicts, you can improve your chances of resolving them effectively and positively. Communication is not a one-size-fits-all solution; instead it is a flexible and adaptable tool that you can use in various ways depending on the situation.

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5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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How do you adjust your communication for different conflicts?

1

2

3

4

5

1 Type of conflict

2 Level of conflict

3 Context of conflict

4 Goal of conflict

5 Here’s what else to consider

Communication

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How do you adjust your communication for different conflicts?

1

2

3

4

5

1 Type of conflict

2 Level of conflict

3 Context of conflict

4 Goal of conflict

5 Here’s what else to consider

Communication

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