What do you do if there is a communication breakdown during conflict resolution in Live Events?

1 Identify the source of the breakdown

The first step to resolving a communication breakdown is to understand what caused it. Was it a misunderstanding, a technical glitch, a personality clash, or a lack of clarity? Depending on the source, you may need different strategies to address the issue. For example, if the breakdown was due to a technical glitch, you may need to check your equipment, switch to a backup plan, or ask for help from the technical team. If the breakdown was due to a misunderstanding, you may need to clarify your expectations, restate your goals, or ask for feedback.

2 Listen actively and empathetically

The second step to resolving a communication breakdown is to listen actively and empathetically to the other party. Active listening means paying attention to what they are saying, how they are saying it, and what they are not saying. Empathetic listening means trying to understand their perspective, feelings, and needs. By listening actively and empathetically, you can show respect, build rapport, and avoid assumptions and judgments. You can also use techniques such as paraphrasing, summarizing, and asking open-ended questions to confirm your understanding and encourage dialogue.

3 Express your point of view clearly and respectfully

The third step to resolving a communication breakdown is to express your point of view clearly and respectfully. Clear communication means using simple, direct, and specific language, avoiding jargon, slang, and ambiguity. Respectful communication means using a polite, calm, and constructive tone, avoiding blame, criticism, and sarcasm. You can also use techniques such as "I" statements, positive framing, and feedback sandwich to convey your message and your feelings without attacking or offending the other party.

4 Seek common ground and solutions

The fourth step to resolving a communication breakdown is to seek common ground and solutions. Common ground means finding areas of agreement, shared values, or mutual interests that can help you bridge the gap and foster cooperation. Solutions mean finding ways to address the problem, meet the needs, or achieve the goals of both parties. You can use techniques such as brainstorming, prioritizing, compromising, or negotiating to generate and evaluate possible solutions.

5 Confirm the outcome and follow up

The fifth step to resolving a communication breakdown is to confirm the outcome and follow up. Confirming the outcome means summarizing the main points, actions, and responsibilities that were agreed upon during the resolution process. Following up means checking in with the other party, providing feedback, and monitoring the progress and results of the solution. By confirming the outcome and following up, you can ensure that there is no confusion, misunderstanding, or miscommunication about the resolution and that both parties are satisfied and committed.

6 Learn from the experience and improve

The sixth step to resolving a communication breakdown is to learn from the experience and improve. Learning from the experience means reflecting on what went well, what went wrong, and what can be done better next time. Improving means applying the lessons learned, making changes, and seeking feedback. By learning from the experience and improving, you can prevent or reduce the chances of future communication breakdowns and enhance your skills and relationships in live events.

7 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?