Breaking the Cycle: A DIRECT Approach to Conflict Resolution for Managers

These days, I am often asked to coach managers through conflict resolution. Much of what I see stems from misunderstandings driven by a lack of clear communication. An email is read as if it were written with an attitude. This causes resentment, so the recipient responds with an email that fires back. This causes frustration for both parties and can easily start to fester and, ultimately, affect the team. It’s a revolving door. 

If this type of cycle resonates with you, remember to be DIRECT:

Direct: Be eloquent with your approach, in a straightforward manner.

Integrity: Honor others and actively listen.

Respect: Be thoughtful with your words, and courteous.

Educate: Be engaged in the opportunity to learn and teach without preaching.

Cooperative: Be open to a different point of view and collaborative.

Truth: Have a sense of reality without exaggerating details; be factual.