What is the reason for the conflict? It is simply a difference in thinking, understanding, and opinions. When two strong individuals are at the opposite end of a conversation with opposing concepts then it is going to become an obvious conflict. This can result in argument and tension where no one is willing to compromise. Conflict can be exhausting as well as informative but it remains an integral part of human life.
It proves an emotionally drain on our system and has the power to disrupt our daily routine to a considerable point. In order to regain efficiency and ease frustration, you need to try strategies that will help you to avoid conflict.
Table of Contents
1) Avoid misunderstandings
Misunderstandings are an important reason for argument and you need to sort it out immediately if you want to avoid conflict. Remember we all are different in nature and we all look at things differently. A half a glass of water looks half-full to one person and half-empty to another. Do not let a misunderstanding become a reason for a fight. Conflict is a waste of energy and time as nothing productive and beneficial is going to come out of it. It is a toxic emotion that can make life unpleasant for both the person’s involved in an argument.
If it is not resolved immediately it can change the relationship dynamics for worse hence nip it in the bud and solve the issue.
2) Do not make snap judgments
Being judgemental can be an offense in any relationship. Sometimes the first impressions are quite different from the later ones. Take time to understand the perspective of the person at the other end before going for his throat and starting an argument. When you see a conflict of interest try understanding his point of view and wait until you gather all the relevant information before you make your move.
Do not make snap judgments as it is a sure way of getting into an argument. Be patient and understanding so that you can easily avoid conflict.
3) Listening to your opponent
One sure way to avoid conflict is by listening to your opponent as this will help you to comprehend the actual problem. When someone is angry it leads to emotional mayhem and stress. Listen to what he is saying and do not try to convince him that he is wrong. Understand his reasoning and give him the necessary time to cool down.
Now sit with him and try talking like two reasonable adults and explain your point of view. Acknowledge his stand and explain that you are ready for a compromise. Your willingness to understand and listen to him will convince him of your genuine efforts and will ultimately avoid conflict.
4) Offer alternatives calmly
A calm and collected personality will invoke a feeling of confidence in the person sitting before you. He will listen to your voice of reasoning because you have maintained your dignity and have not started an argument to prove your point. Two people fall in a conflict when they lose their cool and start shouting to prove themselves right. It is not a war just a difference of opinion.
Remember to listen to him and then put forward your own viewpoint. Be practical in your approach and keep aside your emotional outburst. This dispassionate and logical thinking will help to avoid conflict and bring forth a viable resolution.
5) Stop being defensive
It is important to be objective if you want to avoid conflict. Unresolved issues have a habit of popping up at unfortunate times and causing havoc in life and relationships. When an individual turns defensive he shuts down his ability to comprehend the issue and gets stuck at a definite point. It becomes impossible to move him from there and convince him of other possibilities.
Do not become that person. Denying responsibility will not solve any issues for you instead will cause stress and concern. Why not be considerate and try to come at a compromise so that you can avoid conflict altogether.
6) Contemplate the situation
One cannot be always right or wrong remember there is a grey area in between. When you are on the verge of an argument and are sure that it is going to escalate into a conflict, take a step back and contemplate the situation. Never ever demand that your adversary understand the situation from your position and that you are right. Take the first step yourself and try to recognize whether he is right.
When you open yourself to other possibilities you are stepping on a neutral and grey zone where the chances to find a resolution is greater. Your efforts will encourage the other person to find his grey area. Contemplating and compromising are sure ways of avoiding a conflict.
7) Control your emotions
Emotional imbalances are the main reason for conflict and it can lead to the argument, tension, and abuse. Before pointing at the other person it is important that you look at yourself. Learn to maintain outward control even though you are seething inside as emotional outbursts of any kind are not going to solve any issues. Do not overreact or become sensitive. Be patient and remember that you do not have any right to discount his opinions. If you are not in agreement with him try to discuss with him rationally.
Remember conflicts cause anxiety and it must be avoided at all costs. Even if the other person loses his cool, sit back and keep quiet so that he can realize his mistake. Control your emotions if you want to avoid conflict.
8) Open communication
Stop mind reading your opponent instead of opting for open communication if you want to avoid conflict. How will you know what the other person is thinking if you do not open viable communication channels between yourselves? Presuming to know the answer is never good for any relationship as it can cause misunderstandings and hostility. Listening and talking openly is the key to successful negotiations.
Never forget to listen, do not interrupt someone when he is speaking, and stop sounding disinterested if the other person is trying to convince you. Do not underestimate the importance of open communication between two people. Stop playing the blame game and think of it as an opportunity to analyze the situation from the viewpoint of both the parties.
9) Winning the argument
Winning the argument is not more important than resolving the current issue. So make the argument a discussion instead of a potential conflict. Mutual understanding will help you to avoid conflict so try respecting each other’s viewpoint. Do not make any negative comments on your adversary especially about his personality or character.
This will take the conversation to another level and it will be impossible to save it from going downhill. Negative perceptions from both sides will result in a full-blown conflict so try avoiding it at all costs. Try to be the one who takes the first step towards resolving the issue. Show your willingness to avoid conflict by giving your affirmation to discussing it peacefully.
10) Finding balance in your life
If you want to avoid conflict then it becomes necessary to create a positive environment around yourself. Try work-outs, meditation, deep breathing exercises, praying and soul searching, to relax your mind and body. Whenever you find yourself in a conflicting situation, step back and try for deep breathing so that it can bring forth a serenity and calmness to your mind.
Try for simple changes in your lifestyle, for instance, going for walks, listening to music and talking to positive people. Surround yourself with people who can offer you good and solid advice. All these activities will help you in finding back your balance so that you can gain peace and stability in your life.
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