Embracing Conflict Builds a Stronger EPM

Embracing conflict feels terrifying and even counterintuitive for many people. At EPM, we've learned that it's a key to our success. One of our priorities is coming together as a team and embracing adversity. Conflict is just a natural part of working together when you have different thoughts, perspectives, and approaches. We are learning to face conflict in ways that make us stronger as an organization.

Building our emotional intelligence takes work. Just like when working out, leaning into that discomfort of conflict can develop and strengthen our emotional intelligence when we do it healthily.

Get in the suck

At EPM, we work to improve and evolve every day. We all know the feeling when we're working on physical fitness, and we hit a point where we start having to push ourselves, and our brain starts telling us it's time to quit. But we don't; we go further. We embrace the discomfort a little more. We get in the suck, and that's how we become stronger. It's not the easy things that build our strength; it's the part we don't want to do. We push through, and in the end, we're glad we did it.

People are often resistant to conflict because it can be uncomfortable. The more we avoid conflict with people, the more we're avoiding addressing problems that might have simple solutions. We're stuck. We're not growing. We're avoiding issues that are still going to be there tomorrow and could end up blocking our growth. 

Building strategies to find solutions

Embracing conflict doesn't mean you're looking for a fight. It's the opposite. You're looking to find solutions together. The way to embrace conflict in a productive way is to ask questions, probe deeper, get to the source. It means sincerely listening to the answer instead of planning your counterargument, which means adjusting in real-time. It's taking the time to invest in someone. Remembering there is another person on the other side and having some empathy. 

It's also speaking truthfully and with candor. It's speaking courageously. We aren't approaching conflict with a big ego or chip on our shoulders, but it is about knowing who you are and not backing down. It takes believing in yourself and genuinely connecting with others to find solutions.

The word embracing is like a hug. It means you're making conflict more approachable. It makes it easier for all parties involved. It is not fighting. If you are fighting, then you've exhausted every other aspect. Fighting is never the first step. We are lifelong learners, so if a conflict goes off the rails or doesn't find a resolution, it's time for rest and reflection. Step away and look back to connect the dots and try a different approach. 

Building healthy relationships 

You can't have honest communication without conflict. Transparency is vital to healthy relationships. The best way to engage in a relationship is to be clear about your expectations. Relationships and engagement are more important than ever. Neurologically people need connection and to feel invested in to feel empowered and grow.

EPM is continually working to create an environment where people can evolve and grow. Good comradery and trust are a huge part of that. We are building an environment to grow and be open to new things. Conflict is natural, but you can find solutions if you go into the suck a little bit. Don't take yourself too seriously and let go of that ego. Listen to yourself and others. Come from a place of honesty and integrity. Have empathy for each other, and recognize we all have the same common goal- to serve our communities and Empower People More.