What are some effective ways of resolving conflicts in a professional network?

2 Listen actively and empathetically

The second step to resolving any conflict is to listen actively and empathetically to the other person's perspective. Active listening means paying attention, asking open-ended questions, paraphrasing, and summarizing what you hear. Empathetic listening means putting yourself in the other person's shoes, acknowledging their feelings, and showing respect and compassion. By listening actively and empathetically, you can demonstrate that you care, understand, and value the other person's point of view, and reduce the emotional intensity and defensiveness of the conflict.

3 Communicate assertively and respectfully

The third step to resolving any conflict is to communicate assertively and respectfully your own perspective, needs, and expectations. Assertive communication means expressing yourself clearly, honestly, and confidently, without being aggressive, passive, or manipulative. Respectful communication means using polite, positive, and constructive language, without being rude, negative, or sarcastic. By communicating assertively and respectfully, you can convey your message effectively, avoid misunderstandings, and show respect for the other person's dignity and rights.

4 Seek common ground and mutual benefit

The fourth step to resolving any conflict is to seek common ground and mutual benefit with the other person. Common ground means finding areas of agreement, shared values, or common goals that can help you bridge the gap and build rapport. Mutual benefit means finding solutions that are acceptable, fair, and beneficial for both parties, without compromising your core principles or interests. By seeking common ground and mutual benefit, you can foster collaboration, cooperation, and trust, and create a win-win outcome for the conflict.

5 Follow up and follow through

The fifth step to resolving any conflict is to follow up and follow through with the other person. Follow up means checking in with the other person after the conflict resolution process, to see how they are feeling, how the solution is working, and if there are any issues or concerns. Follow through means keeping your promises, honoring your commitments, and taking action on the agreed-upon solution. By following up and following through, you can show that you are reliable, responsible, and sincere, and maintain a positive and productive relationship with the other person.

6 Learn and improve

The sixth and final step to resolving any conflict is to learn and improve from the experience. Learn means reflecting on what happened, what worked, what didn't work, and what you can do better next time. Improve means applying what you learned, developing new skills, adopting new behaviors, and making changes that can prevent or reduce future conflicts. By learning and improving, you can grow as a professional, as a networker, and as a person, and enhance your direct sales performance and results.