CHAPTER What Is Conflict Resolution?

8 ➜ PERFECT PHRASES FOR CONFLICT RESOLUTION
Static can be in our environment as well as in our head. Some
common examples of static are:
■ Background noise
■ Physical distractions—pain, hunger, or fatigue
■ Jumping to solutions—moving too quickly to solve an
issue, without considering the whole situation, can cause
disruption
■ Asking too many questions—if you are asking questions
all the time and interrupting the talker, you may be overtaking
the conversation
■ Interruptions—other people, walking in from outside, can
be static. Find out what they are looking for. Is it an emergency?
Do they want advice? Do they just want someone
to talk to? Depending on the situation, you should ask for
a meeting at a more appropriate time.
■ Your own mind—you can think much faster than you
can speak! Your mind has extra bandwidth and naturally
wanders away. So what can you do to help with that extra
bandwidth? Make your conversation more interactive.
Pause. Ask for your listener’s input. Check whether he or
she has any questions.
When discussing contentious issues, set up a time and place
when you and your colleague can give the discussion your full
attention. This will let both of you focus your mind and energy
on the conversation.