How To Manage Conflict Better With Kindness And Compassion
The quality of our lives depends not on whether or not we have conflicts, but on how we respond to them. – Thomas Crum
Conflict is an inevitable part of our daily lives that can impact our personal growth and mental well-being. Whether it is internal or external, conflicts can be stressful events. As a manager, mentor, and coach, I have worked with people worldwide who are struggling with conflicts. Based on my experiences, I strongly believe that exhibiting kindness and compassion is one of the most powerful ways to respond to conflicts.
Here are seven ways to manage conflicts better with kindness and compassion:
1. Identify the source of the conflict
Be aware of what triggers conflict in and around you. Investigate these triggers and see how you can respond differently the next time. When dealing with individuals who may cause conflict, be conscious of staying out of their negative emotions and exhibiting kindness and compassion, don’t get provoked or dragged into behaviors that you might regret later.
2. Practice forgiveness
Forgiveness is a powerful therapy that can heal deep wounds within us. Holding onto bitterness only creates more harm. Exhibiting kindness and compassion allows space for love and healing. When forgiving, we free ourselves in the first place from any negativity that occupies space in our minds and heart. It is not about condoning disrespectful behavior, we can still set boundaries and speak our truth in a calm and powerful way.
3. Be empathetic
Try to understand other people's emotions and behavior. People may act in unacceptable ways due to their circumstances. Even when someone offends you, be kind and caring towards them. You may even become good friends after resolving your differences.
4. Be non-judgmental
Accept the flaws and actions of the people you interact with as well as your own flaws. Avoid passing judgment; judgment lowers our vibration and puts us in a ‘we vs. they’ mode. Kindness on the contrary builds bridges.
Every conflict we face in life is rich with positive and negative potential. It can be a source of inspiration, enlightenment, learning, transformation, and growth-or rage, fear, shame, entrapment, and resistance. The choice is not up to our opponents, but to us, and our willingness to face and work through them. – Kenneth Cloke
5. Respect and tolerance
Lack of respect and tolerance for opposing views is often the cause of unresolved conflicts. Speak respectfully and politely when dealing with people. Kind and compassionate individuals value respect and tolerance for opposing views.
6. Be an advocate of peace
Try to be an ambassador of peace. When you have control over a situation, try your hardest to keep it peaceful. Even if others push you to the wall, do not reciprocate their bad deeds. Promote peace by maintaining a peaceful environment and reacting with kindness even when provoked. Keep situations peaceful and avoid reciprocating bad deeds. Your amazing soul and kindness can preach peace and speak up powerfully and calmly when injustice occurs.
7. Learn to apologize
Saying "I'm sorry" is a powerful act of kindness that can prevent conflicts. Apologizing to people does not make you weak; it shows maturity. By doing so, you can avoid unforeseeable situations that could lead to conflicts and losses.
In conclusion, managing conflicts with kindness and compassion can lead to positive outcomes and be an effective strategy to improve relationships and promote mental well-being. Displaying kindness and compassion in conflict is always a sign of a noble and strong character.
Wishing you a day where you choose peace, maturity, and kindness over perpetuating conflict.
Much love, Barbara
