You’re in a philanthropy career and conflicts are inevitable. How can you de-escalate them effectively?

Long before I was in management, I worked in behavioral management programs for residential treatment programs for troubled adolescents. The training included techniques of how to handle youths who were "out of instructional control." I instantly knew what that phrase meant, having raised three toddlers. Later I found this training invaluable in coping with tense situations in business. When someone was -out of instructional control, we were trained to remain calm, keeping a mild and steady voice tone, non-threatening body language, and never reacting to any verbal insults. Your calmness will help defuse tempers and allow you to address the issue and focus on solutions.

In a philanthropy career, conflicts are expected to occur due to differing perspectives, priorities, or misunderstandings. De-escalating conflicts are crucial skills needed to maintain positive relationships and advancing the mission. Strategic wayas to navigate conflicts include: Active Listening, being calm and professional, seek common ground, avoid assumptions, and clarify misunderstandings, working as a team, and involving a neutral person.

By emphasizing the positive aspects of the relationship and the potential outcomes, you can foster a sense of collaboration and trust, and avoid getting stuck on the differences or the past. You can also use affirming language, such as "we", "us", or "our", to reinforce the idea that you are on the same team.

Having over thirty years experience in senior management, I find the only way to resolve conflict within an organisation to to really listen to all parties. Through listening and empathy for all sides, you can generally find the right solution for any conflict.

One thing I have understood over these past 28 years that unless you become one from the core of your heart with the cause and people for whom you are working it is not possible to understand the reason and the root of any conflict whether it's outside or inside. You have to treat others as your own self, you have to put on their shoes. And if you are from the heart then you can solve it anywhere and anytime.

Absolutely right. Without aknowledge, validate and Respect others and their thoughts and taking right action according to the spirit of the situation you can find a solution.

Firstly, categorize your prospective donor in as many ways as possible. Ie. Location, retail space, size, and more. This will help you determine which charity might be best for each individual donor. Keep in mind, which charity offers the biggest bang for the donors buck/donation and how the donor might benefit. Not every donor needs or wants publicity or recognition for their donation, but the majority do.

Stop, Look and Listen 1. Always stop, think before you speak and or react 2. Look at the person, the surroundings and the entire picture 3. Listen . it’s ok to stop look and listen to someone speak , sometimes that’s the best way to control and/or deescalate a situation,

Without focusing on common ground you cannot work or think as a team or group and to get this common ground, many times you have to act selfless and if it's from your heart others will understand and feel your vibes and they will become one with you.