Better Communication – Resolving All Conflicts

Solve any Conflict – A Guide for Better Communication

A healthy working environment in which people enjoy working well is essentially determined by the degree to which they appreciate each other. One instrument of appreciation is communication. Those who do not communicate “properly” are not doing themselves or their environment any good.

In times when burn-out and other mental illnesses are being diagnosed more and more frequently, there is no getting around the topic of appreciation and communication.

A study published in 2011 by the consulting firm GALLUP also highlights this disturbing development and provides possible solutions. Worryingly, only 14% of employees have a high emotional attachment to their employer, and 23% have already quit internally.

Gallup sees the responsibility with the managers, as they shape and form the work environment through their leadership behavior.

So it’s not surprising that the range of executive training and coaching courses on offer is growing all the time.

Communication and relationships are often the focus of these seminars. After all, they are the be-all and end-all in dealing with our fellow human beings, for our satisfaction and ultimately also our health – at work, just as in everyday life.

Many consulting companies specialized therefore exactly in this topic.

For the communication expert, “communication forms the basis for successful cooperation, conflict resolution, fullfillment and success – this applies in every partnership just as it does in the company.”

The “wrong” communication, i.e. criticism, reproaches, withdrawal or silence and thus lack of appreciation can make that ill. Experiencing appreciation, but also giving it, fills us equally with a good feeling. It makes us happy and, not least, increases our work productivity, as the researchers at GALLUP already made clear: “Those who are not satisfied show less initiative, sense of responsibility and willingness to perform.” Today, we know that there are a variety of larger and smaller rules to create an appreciative atmosphere.

Here are 5 rules that support a healthy (work) environment:

1. Appreciation – just say “thank you” once in a while.

Give recognition to your employees or colleagues in an individual way. Be it through a kind word, a small gesture or a warm smile.

Using the seemingly most common words such as “please” and “thank you” and, above all, meaning them sincerely, can already achieve a great deal.

2. Appreciative form

When dealing with people, the tone and form of communication is more than important. Especially with customers, good manners and friendliness are required and not least assumed. However, these principles should be observed and implemented not only with customers, but in the entire work environment. Learn more on how to stay happy at work.

3. Avoid “always”, “never” and “too”.

Words like these are what make people stop listening to their counterparts after just a few seconds. If you consciously take care to avoid such words, you will experience a whole different level of conversation.

A simple example: “You are TOO late!” is an accusation. “You are later than agreed” is a statement.

4. Self-responsibility – I am the way I am and that is a good thing

Being aware of your own feelings and needs and taking responsibility for yourself is probably the most important point.

Stress is perceived as less burdensome if you know WHY you feel stressed at the moment and which needs are not being met.

Often it is not the fly on the wall that bothers us, but the fact that our need for peace and quiet is not being met.

5. Consider the needs of the other person

Once you have achieved point 4, it will be all the easier to put yourself in the shoes of another person. This is especially helpful in conflict situations. Because behind every problem there is an unsatisfied need. And it is important to find this out in order to find a solution.

It is important to be able to read between the lines. Often we are not even aware of the personal need that is not being met. If we then find the courage and the words to express this, the chance to stay healthy is high. Because open conversations without injuries are the key to an appreciative and healthy (working) environment.