You’re a research professional who’s facing a conflict. What mistakes should you avoid?

As a research professional, you may encounter situations where your work is challenged, questioned, or criticized by others. This can be stressful and frustrating, especially if you have invested a lot of time and effort into your project. However, how you handle these conflicts can affect your reputation, relationships, and results. Here are some common mistakes that you should avoid when facing a conflict as a researcher.

1 Reacting emotionally

When someone disagrees with your findings, methods, or interpretations, you may feel angry, defensive, or hurt. However, reacting emotionally can escalate the conflict and damage your credibility. Instead of lashing out, try to stay calm and respectful. Listen to the other person's perspective and acknowledge their concerns. This can help you de-escalate the tension and show that you are open to constructive feedback.

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Nino Gvalia 🔬🎓

🔬Empowering Lives Behind the Lab Scene | 🧪 Passionate Biochemistry Enthusiast |🏛️ Salk Institute | Gage Lab | Exploring the Wonders of Science
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🚫 Don't neglect communication. 🤐 Avoid assuming without clarification. 🔄 Don't resist feedback or alternative perspectives. 🚷 Avoid ignoring ethical considerations. 🤷♀️ Don't hesitate to seek guidance if unsure. 🏆 Avoid overcommitting or spreading too thin. 🚧 Don't disregard self-care amidst challenges.

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2 Assuming bad intentions

Sometimes, you may think that the person who is challenging your work is doing so out of malice, bias, or ignorance. You may assume that they are trying to undermine your authority, sabotage your project, or steal your ideas. However, these assumptions can cloud your judgment and prevent you from finding a common ground. Instead of assuming bad intentions, try to understand the underlying motivations and interests of the other person. They may have a different perspective, goal, or expectation than you. They may also have valid points or insights that you can learn from.

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3 Refusing to compromise

As a researcher, you may have a strong attachment to your work and a high confidence in your expertise. You may think that your approach is the best and that your conclusions are indisputable. However, refusing to compromise can make you seem arrogant, stubborn, or inflexible. It can also hinder your ability to collaborate, innovate, or solve problems. Instead of refusing to compromise, try to find a middle ground or a win-win solution. You may have to adjust your methods, revise your findings, or acknowledge the limitations of your work. However, this can help you improve your quality, credibility, and impact.

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4 Avoiding communication

When you face a conflict, you may feel tempted to avoid communication with the other person. You may think that it is better to ignore the issue, hide your work, or cut off contact. However, avoiding communication can worsen the conflict and create misunderstandings, resentment, or mistrust. It can also prevent you from resolving the issue or reaching your goals. Instead of avoiding communication, try to initiate dialogue and seek clarification. You may have to explain your work, justify your decisions, or provide evidence. However, this can help you address the issue, clear the confusion, or find a resolution.

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5 Escalating the conflict

Sometimes, you may feel that the conflict is too big or too complex to handle by yourself. You may seek support, advice, or intervention from others, such as your colleagues, supervisors, or clients. However, escalating the conflict can backfire and create more problems. It can make the other person feel attacked, betrayed, or humiliated. It can also damage your reputation, relationships, or results. Instead of escalating the conflict, try to resolve it at the lowest level possible. You may have to negotiate, mediate, or apologize. However, this can help you preserve your dignity, respect, and trust.

Conflict is inevitable in research, but it can also be an opportunity for learning, growth, and improvement. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can handle conflict more effectively and professionally.

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Sana Ghafoor

Clinical Researcher || Lab Technologist || Microbiologist || Excel and SPSS Data Analyst || Medical Writer || Expert in Thesis and Proposal Writing || Systematic Reviewer and Meta Analyst || Quality Assurance||
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Ignoring or avoiding conflicts is a major mistake for research professionals, as it can lead to unresolved issues, diminished trust, and potential harm to research integrity. Instead, it's crucial to address conflicts directly and constructively, seeking to understand different perspectives and working collaboratively towards a resolution. Acknowledging the issue and initiating a conversation is the first step towards resolution.

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6 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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You’re a research professional who’s facing a conflict. What mistakes should you avoid?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Reacting emotionally

2 Assuming bad intentions

3 Refusing to compromise

4 Avoiding communication

5 Escalating the conflict

6 Here’s what else to consider

Research

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You’re a research professional who’s facing a conflict. What mistakes should you avoid?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Reacting emotionally

2 Assuming bad intentions

3 Refusing to compromise

4 Avoiding communication

5 Escalating the conflict

6 Here’s what else to consider

Research

Rate this article

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