top of page
Cream Minimal Aesthetic Creative Photography Personal LinkedIn Article Cover Image.png
Writer's pictureKayla Victoria

Productivity Over Negativity

Updated: Oct 27

Conflict is a natural part of human interactions and can arise for various reasons, whether at home, in the workplace, or within communities. Recognizing that conflict does not always have to be harmful or destructive is essential. Some people believe conflict is terrible, but in reality, it is the approach that makes it healthy. It can be an opportunity for learning and growth.


People from all over the world have different backgrounds, cultures, beliefs, and life experiences. Our differences allow us to bring something different to the table to bring positive change when our hearts are in the right place. We should not be afraid of confrontation. However, knowing how and when to utilize our energy is also important. Energy flows where attention and intention go. Oil and water do not mix. Know when to cut off your energy regarding a situation, place, or thing when it no longer serves you, and channel that energy into something that will benefit you.


There are five conflict management styles: accommodating, collaborating, negotiating, avoiding, and forcing. Out of the five, the collaborative conflict management style allows all parties involved in the engagement to win. Individuals come together to discuss and resolve any situation peacefully. Sometimes, people do not know when they have crossed another's boundaries. Consider having a mediator present, not to make decisions, but to maintain a positive environment by ensuring all individuals respect each other and guiding the conversation to move forward instead of coming up with a solution.


Transforming conflict into collaboration involves:

  • Identifying the root of the cause.

  • Effective communication.

  • Emotional intelligence.

  • The willingness to compromise to find beneficial solutions.

  • Establishing clear goals and expectations throughout the process.


One of the first steps in turning conflict into collaboration is understanding its root causes. Disputes often arise due to differences in opinions, values, and interests. Additionally, our emotions vibrate at a specific frequency, affecting our ability to connect with others. If someone is operating at a low vibration, the inability to connect is caused by working from the shadow self. Low vibrational emotions include shame, guilt, apathy, grief, fear, desire, anger, and pride. On the other hand, high vibrational emotions involve enlightenment, peace, joy, love, reason, acceptance, willingness, neutrality, and courage.


Not only do our emotions affect how we feel, but they also influence others around us. For example, if you are a supervisor and attend work with a negative mindset and attitude, not only will it impact your job performance, decision-making, and leadership, but your subordinates will also be affected by that, leading to a decline in cohesion within the workplace, decreased productivity, employee turnover, and customer satisfaction.


Secondly, effective communication is essential in transforming conflict into collaboration. It involves fully listening to and understanding the perspectives of others without interruption or judgment. Active listening also involves asking clarifying questions to gain a deeper understanding. By creating a safe and respectful environment for communication, individuals can express their concerns and needs openly, leading to a greater understanding of the underlying issues and a search for standard solutions. Through this process, individuals can build upon each other's ideas and find innovative approaches to resolving the conflict.


Emotional intelligence is also important because it allows individuals to effectively manage their emotions and understand the feelings of others involved in the conflict. Conflict may evoke strong emotional reactions, such as anger, frustration, or defensiveness, hindering effective communication and problem-solving. Emotional intelligence skills allow us to be aware of our emotional triggers, respond calmly and assertively, and recognize and acknowledge the emotions of others involved in a conflict. This helps build trust and facilitates finding common ground and mutually beneficial solutions.


Collaboration requires a willingness to compromise and find mutually beneficial solutions. It is essential to recognize that only some individuals or parties will get everything they want. By focusing on common goals and interests, individuals can find ways to meet everyone's needs. This requires shifting from a win-lose mentality to a win-win mindset, where all parties benefit from collaborative efforts.


Lastly, clear goals and expectations should be established throughout the collaboration process. By setting specific objectives and benchmarks, individuals can stay focused and motivated. Regular check-ins and reviews can ensure that progress is made and adjustments can be made if necessary. Celebrating milestones and successes can also help maintain motivation and build trust among collaborators.


Although conflicts are inevitable, it is crucial to recognize the significance of togetherness and strive for peaceful and productive resolutions. In an increasingly interconnected world, collaboration over conflict is beneficial and necessary for a better future.


Conflict may be loud, but collaboration creates a harmonious crowd!




88 views0 comments

Comments


bottom of page