Conflict is inevitable in sales, but how you handle it can make or break your relationships with prospects and customers. Being patient during conflict can help you reduce stress, avoid escalation, and find win-win solutions. In this article, you will learn some practical tips on how to be more patient during conflict as a sales professional.
Conflict can arise from different expectations, needs, values, goals, or personalities. To be more patient, you need to understand where the other person is coming from and what they are trying to achieve. Try to listen actively, ask open-ended questions, and empathize with their perspective. Avoid making assumptions, judgments, or accusations that can trigger defensiveness or resentment.
Lo ideal siempre es primero que nada: escuchar, escuchar activamente, tomar nota y luego, sobre la base de lo escuchado, poder hacer preguntas importantes (preguntas poderosas en Coaching) y usar algunas frases del mismo cliente para no solo empatizar en haberse sentido escuchado, sino también, para llevarlo a un espacio de más tranquilidad y buscar la solución más apropiada para la situación que se presenta.
Conflict can trigger strong emotions, such as anger, frustration, or fear. These emotions can cloud your judgment, impair your communication, and damage your rapport. To be more patient, you need to control your emotions and stay calm and composed. Try to breathe deeply, relax your muscles, and focus on the facts rather than the feelings. Avoid reacting impulsively, raising your voice, or using harsh words that can escalate the situation.
Conflict can create a sense of opposition, competition, or hostility. To be more patient, you need to seek common ground and collaborate with the other person. Try to identify the shared interests, values, or goals that you have and emphasize them. Avoid focusing on the differences, blaming, or criticizing that can widen the gap. Use positive language, such as "we", "us", or "our", that can foster trust and cooperation.
Conflict can limit your vision, creativity, or flexibility. To be more patient, you need to explore options and find solutions that benefit both parties. Try to brainstorm, suggest, or negotiate alternatives that can address the needs and concerns of both sides. Avoid sticking to your position, imposing your solution, or rejecting the other's ideas that can create deadlock or resentment. Use open-mindedness, curiosity, or humor that can ease the tension and spark innovation.
Conflict can test your patience, tolerance, or respect. To be more patient, you need to respect boundaries and acknowledge the limits of your influence. Try to accept that you cannot control the other person's behavior, attitude, or decision. Avoid forcing, manipulating, or coercing them to agree with you or do what you want. Use courtesy, professionalism, or dignity that can preserve your relationship and reputation.
Conflict can be a learning opportunity, a growth catalyst, or a feedback mechanism. To be more patient, you need to learn from conflict and improve your skills and performance. Try to reflect on what went well, what went wrong, and what you can do better next time. Avoid dwelling on the negative, blaming yourself or others, or repeating the same mistakes. Use gratitude, humility, or optimism that can enhance your resilience and confidence.
As a salesperson in conflict, channel your inner Zen master. Understand the conflict’s source, like a chess game with discounts and features instead of pawns. Control your emotions, breathe deeply, and stay calm. Seek common ground and brainstorm solutions, turning the sales pitch into a creative problem-solving session. Respect boundaries, you can’t force a sale, just like you can’t force a laugh. Every conflict is a learning opportunity, maybe next time, you’ll open with a joke! ??