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We all have different communications styles, each can be placed somewhere on a continuum between assertiveness and passivity. Some people, however, believe that being assertive is the same thing as being aggressive; this is far from the truth.
In the workplace, and in most areas of life, at least some level of assertiveness (more…)
You have probably heard older generations talk about how personal ethics seemed stronger “back in the day,” hearing phrases like, “A man’s handshake was his word” or “The deal was made on a handshake.” Certainly it seems that in our not so distant past a person’s word was a contract and something to be respected. Today, we (more…)
Effective workplace communication requires that whenever you are talking or writing with someone, each of you correctly interprets what the other is saying. Sounds simple, doesn’t it?
However, people come into a conversation with their own preconceived ideas and perhaps even their own thoughts about what the other person is going to say. (more…)
No matter what level of position you hold in your workplace, at some point you will be called upon to communicate with a wide variety of people within your organization. Some of these people will be at levels higher than you (supervisors or others in supervisory positions, even if not directly over you), others on a similar level to you (peers and colleagues in your own department and other areas of the company), and some of those (more…)
An important aspect of communication is how the words are spoken, not just what is said.
Sometimes the words alone carry the bulk of the message and are the most important part of the communication. However, in most communications, especially those that are emotional in nature, such as those involving conflict, the words used are only a part of what (more…)
From an employee perspective, interactions with managers who yell are stressful and can negatively impact morale and productivity. Employers place expectations on managers to accomplish specific tasks and meet certain benchmarks, but often leave the means of motivating staff and meeting expectations up to managers and supervisors.
An issue is how the managers motivate their employees to meet the expectations of the employer: in other words: management communication. (more…)
Quick reactions are common in conflict. Someone says or does something that hurts. The hurt feels like an injury that must be immediately tended to.
When the incident occurs in the midst of a sudden or ongoing conflict, there is a tendency to engage in an immediate response. These responses are almost always emotion charged reactions. Although these reactions are meant to defend and protect – to stop the assault – the immediate reaction tends to feed the conflict. (more…)
There are many potential contributing factors to interpersonal conflict. One that is often overlooked is PRIDE.
Pride can be defined as a sense of one’s own proper dignity or value. It is not intrinsically problematic. In fact, thinking well of ones self is something to be actively pursued. For example, we want children to develop a sense of pride in themselves. Feeling proud of our accomplishments is also a positive thing. (more…)
Everyone, at some point, ends up in a conflict with someone else. And, despite what it may seem like at the time, no one likes being personally involved in a heated dispute with another person or entity: if the outcome did not matter the conflict could not really exist as it would no longer be “fed” by the disputants.
Conflicts come in all shapes and sizes – and some are extremely heated. Those in dispute may not be able to look at one another without feeling experiencing anger and hurt. Although it may not seem that there is always an option, choosing how to respond to the dispute can have a significant affect on the outcome. (more…)
Relationships are a significant focus in our lives: Not just personally, but also professionally. When these relationships are going well and conflict-free a relationship can be incredibly fulfilling and rewarding. However, many struggle once conflict is inserted into the relationship.
Regardless of the nature and significance of the relationship, the hurt experienced as a result of a dispute can (more…)
