Living in today’s society can be a real challenge. Many situations can occur where managing your emotions can become challenging. Sometimes it can be as simple as having a disagreement with a co-worker, while other times, it can create much more conflict. Resolving a disagreement begins with identifying some of the contributing factors.
When you hear about someone who had a difficult experience, you often wonder, “How did they get through that in the world?” Of course, there are probably many elements at play, from a resilient mindset and a strong support system to helpful coping mechanisms. But often, one element that can make all the difference is knowing what to do during a tense or difficult situation.
Here are Ways to Diffuse a Difficult Situation:
Conflict As a Growth Tool
Conflict is a universal constant in all our relationships. We fight with friends, family, co-workers, and even strangers. However, while it is ubiquitous, not all conflict is created equal. It’s a broad category that includes, but is not limited to, arguments, debates, disagreements, and disputes. Conflict creeps into our daily lives, and most of us have learned to live with it. We might even welcome it.
Never Take It Personally
When someone in your life is behaving badly, it can be tempting to take it personally. However, this causes you to lash out and make matters worse since someone else’s behavior doesn’t have anything to do with you. Instead, focus on how their behavior makes you feel and work to change how you want to be treated by this person. If you rely on this person for support, be open and honest about your frustrations and ask them how you can work together to make your bond stronger.
Active Listening
We all encounter people in our lives who are difficult — from bosses to co-workers, family to friends, and spouses to kids. Sometimes it can be hard to deal with a difficult person, but there are ways to cope. Active listening is one great way, and it’s something you can do at any time, whether you are in a tough situation or not. Active listening is a two-way street. Being attentive but not so focused gives all the attention to what the other person is saying. Active listening means tuning in but not being off in another conversation. It is listening with the intention of understanding.
Open Body Language.
It’s not always easy to manage a tough conversation, particularly when it involves emotions. It’s easy to over-rely on our words, which can mean they can be confusing or hurtful. But, the way your posture, eye contact, and facial expressions convey your thoughts and feelings can have just as much of a bearing on the relationship with your loved one. Your posture can tell an entirely different story when you walk into someone’s space. How you stand might reflect your true emotions inside. If you notice that your body is leaning against something else, or you pull your shoulders back as if you’re anxious, you probably don’t have much space to open up. If you aren’t using your body consciously, it can reveal more about you than you may initially think.
Address the Person’s Concerns
The key to success is never to walk away. It is often tempting to walk away when caught between difficult circumstances. The truth is that walking away is not an option, especially when someone is dealing with a difficult situation. Instead, remain calm and composed to handle any situation better. When we have a disagreement or a conflict with a friend or loved one, it can sometimes get pretty heated. So, how do you diffuse a difficult situation? First, acknowledge the emotion on both sides. Unhealthy arguments often turn into arguments of the past because the other person isn’t aware of their feelings.
Make An Approach; avoid Confrontation
Difficult situations arise in every workplace and home. However, how you react to them can make or break your performance. For example, suppose you let your anger get the best of you when you are confronted with a difficult situation rather than calmly making a proposed solution. In that case, you run the risk of alienating the other person and impacting your work relationship. Plus, you may lose credibility with the boss or client, as well as make the situation worse by losing your temper. When faced with difficult situations, we often want to confront the person directly, or we want to run screaming in the other direction. But, in the long-run, confrontation rarely leads to a positive resolution, and running from the problem just makes matters worse. As an alternative, breathe and talk to the person. First, you must have all the right information. Gather the facts, and then start crafting a good argument.
Most people realize that a difficult person or an uncomfortable situation can leave you feeling frustrated, anxious, worried, and upset. However, learning how to diffuse a difficult situation can help diffuse those feelings and allow you to address the situation effectively.
