When we prepare for a tense conversation, we often practice the things we want to say. We organize our arguments, strategize about our approach, and sometimes even prepare our retaliations. However, few of us prepare ourselves to listen. We assume that we know how to listen, and that listening just happens naturally. In reality, listening is an active process in which a decision is made to hear and understand the speaker’s message. In tense situations, an inability to listen

Emotions are a fundamental part of conflict. We have all experienced conflict that has caused us to feel offended, disappointed or distressed. Having an understanding of the emotional responses that may come up during a dispute can help manage conflict. According to the Conflict Research Consortium at the University of Colorado, “people in conflict may have a variety of strong emotions--anger, distrust, disappointment, frustration, confusion, worry, or fear. These emotions of

In a prior blog, we discussed the importance of balance between power and respect in business relationships. How can these principles be used when conflict has thrown the relationship out of balance? This blog discusses tools for a facilitator or training for an in-house intermediary. First one must recognize the nature of the conflict and assess whether a relationship, which is not in balance, is contributing to the conflict. Ultimately, the goal of conflict resolution i

How do relationships affect business profit? Big time! According to Stephen M.R. Covey trust under-girds and affects the quality of every relationship. Trust is in direct proportion to economic success (Covey, 2006). Conflict is inherent in relationships. We encounter conflict at home with family members, in the workplace with customers, vendors, or colleagues and within our community, city and country. Relationships are how we interact with each other. When a relationship

When entrepreneurs initially discuss an idea for a business the natural tendency is to focus on the creative synergy and expectation of success. Then the reality of business formation, legal requirements, permits, licensing, financing and a myriad of other problems curb the initial enthusiasm. (I will informally refer to entrepreneurs forming a business as “partners”, whether they have a formal partnership agreement or not.) These partners will be making Important decision

Feeling worn-out, business owners may direct their focus on the bottom line and neglect the interpersonal aspects of their business. The iro