BRX Pro Tip: The Right Ways to Handle Conflict
Stone Payton: Welcome back to Business RadioX Pro Tips, Lee Kantor and Stone Payton here with you. Lee, it doesn’t seem to come up a lot in the day-to-day of running the Business RadioX Network, but you and I joke sometimes that I’m in charge of conflict. But what are some things to keep in mind when it comes to managing conflict, because it is inevitable if you’re dealing with humans?
Lee Kantor: Yeah, I think there’s a right way and wrong way to handle conflict. And like you said, conflict is inevitable whenever you’re dealing with humans, whether it’s in your business or in your personal life. But it’s how you handle those things that can really impact a relationship. It can impact the productivity of that individual and it could also affect the outcome that you’re trying to accomplish.
Lee Kantor: So, one of the kind of the ways that we handle it here at Business RadioX is bad news fast. That’s a, you know, core value of our organization. And if there’s bad news, let’s deliver it face-to-face if that’s possible. You know, some people like to deal with conflict through text, that’s not optimal, especially if it’s affecting someone’s livelihood. I would recommend face-to-face if possible.
Lee Kantor: Number two, focus only on the issues. It shouldn’t be about placing blame or attacking people personally. This should just be about solving whatever the issue was. There’s no need to make things personal.
Lee Kantor: Number three, always try to lead with empathy and try to collaborate on a solution if possible. Number four, this is so important when it comes to accountability, you want to trust the person is going to do the right thing, but it’s important to verify, so trust but verify. Accountability is critical in any type of interpersonal relationship. You want people, especially in your business, that are delivering what they promise they’re going to deliver, and you really don’t have any gray area when it comes to that.
Lee Kantor: So, these types of approaches emphasize respect. They emphasize understanding and collaboration. And you’re trying to, at the same time, minimize any type of escalation. If you keep things just on point about the issues and less about the person and their personality, I think you’re going to be better served. Focus on clear communication, empathy, actionable solutions. Then, these conflicts can be transformed into opportunities for growth and stronger relationships down the road.
