Ask those who disagree to paraphrase one another's
comments. This may help
them learn if they really understand each other.
Work out a compromise. Agree on the underlying source
of conflict, then
engage in give-and-take and, finally, agree on a solution.
Ask each team member to list what the other side
should do. Exchange lists,
select a compromise all are willing to accept and test the compromise
to see
if it meshes with team goals.
Have each side write 10 questions for their
opponents. This will allow them
to signal their major concerns about the other side's position. And
the
answers may lead to a compromise.
Convince team members they sometimes may have to admit
they're wrong. Help
them save face by convincing them that changing a position shows
strength.
Respect the experts on the team. Give their opinions
more weight when the
conflict involves their expertise, but don't rule out conflicting
opinions.
Reprinted from Communication Briefings and Making Teams
Succeed at Work, Alexander Hamilton Institute, 70 Hilltop Road, Ramsey, NY
07446
Positive thoughts and actions lower stress. But here's
how they also boost your efficiency:
Keep you sunny side up. When mishaps occur, react
with optimism. Find a
silver lining and emphasize it. By not turning setbacks into
catastrophes,
you can avoid bouts of stress or irritation that derail your progress.
Set an example. Spur your team to raise its
productivity by doing
high-visibility favors for others. When others see your selfless
acts,
they'll be uplifted and will v to mirror your behavior. Result:
Even
as they work harder, they'll seek opportunities to give to others so
that
they can enjoy the same emotional rewards you do.
Find humor in sadness. If you can maintain some
levity even when you're
besieged by crises or struck by tragedy, you become more resilient.
Appropriate humor will help you stop moping so that you can focus on
positive action.
Reprinted from Communications Briefings and Adapted
from Psychology Today, Sussex Publishers Inc.
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Parent of New York State. All Rights Reserved.
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Schenectady, NY 12304
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