How can you write positively during a conflict?

2 Why is emotional intelligence important?

Emotional intelligence is the ability to recognize, understand, and manage your own and others' emotions. It is essential for positive writing, because it helps you to be aware of how your words and tone can affect the other person's feelings and reactions. It also helps you to empathize with their point of view, and to express your own emotions in a clear and appropriate way. Emotional intelligence can help you to avoid emotional triggers, such as blaming, criticizing, or attacking, and to use positive emotions, such as appreciation, curiosity, or optimism, to create a positive atmosphere.

3 How to write positively during a conflict?

When writing positively during a conflict, there are some general guidelines and techniques you can use. To start, begin your message with a friendly greeting, a compliment, or a common ground to show respect and goodwill. Additionally, use positive words and phrases like “I appreciate” or “I suggest”, and avoid negative words like “I hate” or “I disagree”. Furthermore, use “I” statements to focus on yourself rather than the other person when expressing your feelings or opinions. Additionally, consider using questions instead of statements when trying to understand the other person's perspective. Lastly, use active listening skills such as paraphrasing or summarizing to show that you are paying attention and that you care.

4 How to handle difficult situations?

Sometimes, when faced with a conflict, you may encounter more difficult or complex situations that require additional strategies. For instance, if you are met with resistance, hostility, or misunderstanding from the other person, or have to deal with sensitive or emotional issues, the sandwich technique can be used. This involves sandwiching constructive feedback or criticism between two positive statements to soften the impact and motivate the other person to change. Additionally, using the SBI model can be helpful in being clear and objective about what happened, while avoiding generalizations and focusing on facts and feelings. Lastly, the DESC script can be used to express assertiveness and directly state expectations, feelings, and needs while showing the other person the reasons and outcomes of your request.

5 How to end positively?

Ending positively is as important as starting positively, when you write during a conflict. It can help to reinforce the positive aspects of the communication, and to create a sense of closure and resolution. To do so, you should summarize the main points discussed, agreed, or decided to ensure that you are both on the same page and to clarify any misunderstandings. Additionally, express gratitude and appreciation for the other person’s time, attention, cooperation, or contribution. Finally, invite further communication by letting the other person know that you are open and available. You can also suggest a follow-up action such as a phone call or meeting to continue the conversation or check progress. Doing so can help to show respect, recognition, interest, and support.

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?