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How can you use the smoothing conflict strategy effectively?

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Conflict is inevitable in any workplace, but how you handle it can make a big difference in your relationships, productivity, and well-being. One of the conflict styles that you can use is smoothing, which involves emphasizing the areas of agreement and minimizing the differences. Smoothing can be effective when you want to maintain harmony, avoid escalation, or buy time for a better solution. However, smoothing can also have drawbacks, such as ignoring the root causes of the conflict, suppressing your own needs, or creating resentment. In this article, you will learn how to use the smoothing conflict strategy effectively, by following these tips:

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Muhammad Mehmood

"Award-Winning Operations Leader | Hospitality, Retail, SaaS | Driving Growth & Efficiency | Strategic Planner | Team…
Ajay Kumar, PMP?

600K Post Impressions || LinkedIn Top Voice: Leadership ?Software Project Management ? Strategy ?Agile Leadership ||…

1 Know when to use it

Smoothing is not a one-size-fits-all approach to conflict resolution. It is more suitable for situations where the relationship is more important than the issue, the conflict is minor or temporary, or the other party is more powerful or emotional. Smoothing can also be a good way to acknowledge the other party's perspective, show respect, and build rapport. However, smoothing is not advisable when the issue is critical or complex, the conflict is chronic or deep-rooted, or you have strong convictions or needs that are not being met. In these cases, smoothing can lead to more problems, such as frustration, dissatisfaction, or loss of credibility.

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Ajay Kumar, PMP?

600K Post Impressions || LinkedIn Top Voice: Leadership ?Software Project Management ? Strategy ?Agile Leadership || Volvo Group Telematics || Vehicle Connectivity || Quality Assurance
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Here's how to use it effectively: Active Listening: Pay close attention to the conflicting parties, demonstrating empathy and understanding. Stay Calm: Maintain a calm and composed demeanor, setting a positive tone for resolution. Acknowledge Concerns: Choose Battles: Evaluate the conflict's significance. If it's minor, consider accommodating to preserve relationships and team cohesion. Compromise: Find middle ground when possible, allowing both parties to feel heard and valued. Apologize if Necessary: If a mistake occurred, a sincere apology can defuse tension and demonstrate willingness to rectify the situation. Focus on Solutions: Maintain Relationships: Set Boundaries: Follow Up:

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NSIKAK DONATUS UMANAH

Manager at Food Concepts PLC
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Some ways to get started are: 1. Understand what the conflict is 2. Agree on tools to be use to resolve the conflict 3. Have an accepting (what I choose to call bias) mind in ensuring things work out

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2 Balance your interests

Smoothing does not mean that you have to give up your own interests or goals. You can still express your views and preferences, but in a way that does not provoke or challenge the other party. You can use phrases such as "I understand your point", "I appreciate your concern", or "I agree with you on this aspect" to show empathy and alignment. You can also use questions, such as "How do you see this situation?", "What are your main priorities?", or "What would make you feel more comfortable?" to explore the other party's interests and needs. By balancing your interests, you can avoid being passive or aggressive, and instead be assertive and cooperative.

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3 Seek common ground

Smoothing can help you find areas of agreement and mutual benefit, which can reduce tension and hostility. You can use statements such as "We both want to achieve the same outcome", "We share the same values", or "We have a lot in common" to highlight the similarities and connections. You can also use examples, stories, or analogies to illustrate how you can relate to the other party's situation or feelings. By seeking common ground, you can foster trust and understanding, and create a positive atmosphere for collaboration.

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4 Address the differences

Smoothing does not mean that you have to ignore or avoid the differences that cause the conflict. You can still acknowledge and address them, but in a way that does not emphasize or exaggerate them. You can use words such as "however", "but", or "yet" to introduce the differences, and then use words such as "slightly", "somewhat", or "a bit" to soften them. You can also use suggestions, such as "Maybe we can try this", "How about this option?", or "What if we do this?" to offer alternatives or compromises. By addressing the differences, you can show respect and flexibility, and move towards a resolution.

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5 Follow up and evaluate

Smoothing can be a temporary or transitional strategy, which means that you may need to follow up and evaluate the results. You can use feedback, such as "How do you feel about the solution?", "Are you satisfied with the outcome?", or "Do you have any concerns or questions?" to check in with the other party and assess their level of satisfaction. You can also use actions, such as "Let's review the progress", "Let's update the plan", or "Let's celebrate the success" to monitor the implementation and reinforce the agreement. By following up and evaluating, you can ensure that the conflict is resolved effectively, and that the relationship is maintained or improved.

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6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Muhammad Mehmood

"Award-Winning Operations Leader | Hospitality, Retail, SaaS | Driving Growth & Efficiency | Strategic Planner | Team Leader"
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In my learnings how I have tackled the issues of conflicts is by adopting the below framework; - Encouraging open debate on hot topics - Ensuring the language used is ethical - Promoting a culture of harmony & tolerance - Rotating people across the org to work in different groups/ teams to promote collaboration - Listening empathetically to both sides - Respecting other's views & opinion - Arranging work shops, team building exercise to foster better understanding & cultural fit - In times of dispute, engaging with both parties, ensuring to find a common ground and then strategically ironing out the differences Conflicts are normal in any business, the art is how to effectively steer a negative situation towards a positive outcome.

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How can you use the smoothing conflict strategy effectively?

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1 Know when to use it

2 Balance your interests

3 Seek common ground

4 Address the differences

5 Follow up and evaluate

6 Here’s what else to consider

Problem Solving

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How can you use the smoothing conflict strategy effectively?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Know when to use it

2 Balance your interests

3 Seek common ground

4 Address the differences

5 Follow up and evaluate

6 Here’s what else to consider

Problem Solving

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