Sadly conflict is part of life and part of the workplace. Your beliefs and values are unique to you, as are your colleagues’ values. Conflict tends to arise when these differing values rub up against each other. To get ahead at work you need to have a coping strategy so you are prepared for it.

When conflict does occur there are three possible reactions; fight, flight or freeze. Most of us plum for one of the latter two in the belief that avoidance is the best defence. That may diffuse the immediate situation but chances are it leaves you feeling powerless or bullied and gives a subconscious signal to others that it’s ok to treat you that way.

Coaching can give you the tools and confidence to:

• Address the situation head on
• Express yourself calmly and rationally
• Articulate why the other person’s actions are upsetting you.
• Set boundaries for what is and what isn’t appropriate behaviour around you

Coaching can also help you stand back objectively to see if your own actions are contributing to the situation. This may not be a comfortable exercise but it is a valuable one (none of us are perfect) and may be the best way to ensure conflict doesn’t arise in the future – prevention is better than cure, every time!

To arrange a no obligation free session and experience life coaching first hand contact Ian today