3 ADDRESSING CONFLICTS

The other person's reactions

In the last chapter, you learned how to defuse your limbic system in preparation for a difficult conversation. That is a big barrier removed! However, you still need to have the conversation and you might be concerned about the other person's reactions.

Imagine this situation:

You and a colleague have been avoiding each other for a few weeks after you disagreed in a meeting and it got heated. A new project kicks off next week and you'll need to work together, so you want to address and resolve your conflict.

Imagine that you are preparing to have a conversation to resolve your conflict.

What is the worst you can imagine for that conversation?

Choose one option:

They ignore your efforts
They cry
They get angry with you
They get others on their side
They blame you
Something else

Take notes for yourself.

You can only control yourself

As you learned in the last chapter, there is likely to be a grain of truth and some assumptions your brain has made up behind the worst case scenario that you fear.

When considering the grain of truth, remember that you cannot control the other person, but you can certainly manage your impact on them. You do that by managing your own limbic system. This includes preparing for both potential outcomes for a difficult conversation - the best case and worst case.

Addressing conflicts

The other person's reactions

What is the worst you can imagine for that conversation?

Choose one option:

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