How can you use active listening to resolve conflicts with senior executives?

1 Identify the root cause

Before you engage in a conversation with a senior executive, try to understand the root cause of the conflict. Is it a misunderstanding, a disagreement, a personality clash, or a power struggle? Knowing the source of the conflict can help you prepare your approach and avoid assumptions or judgments. You can also ask yourself what you want to achieve from the conversation and what you are willing to compromise or negotiate.

2 Listen attentively and respectfully

When you talk to a senior executive, listen attentively and respectfully to their point of view. Avoid interrupting, arguing, or criticizing them. Instead, show that you are interested and curious about their perspective and feelings. You can use verbal and non-verbal cues to indicate that you are listening, such as nodding, making eye contact, and saying "uh-huh" or "I see". You can also paraphrase or repeat what they say to confirm your understanding and show empathy.

3 Ask open-ended questions

One of the best ways to use active listening to resolve conflicts with senior executives is to ask open-ended questions. These are questions that require more than a yes or no answer and invite the other person to elaborate, explain, or clarify their thoughts and feelings. For example, you can ask "What are your main concerns about this project?" or "How do you think we can work together more effectively?" Asking open-ended questions can help you uncover the underlying issues, needs, and interests of the senior executive and find common ground.

4 Reflect and summarize

Another important aspect of active listening is to reflect and summarize what the other person says. This means that you restate or rephrase their main points, emotions, or intentions in your own words. For example, you can say "So, what you are saying is that you are frustrated by the lack of communication and collaboration in our team" or "It sounds like you are passionate about this initiative and want to see it succeed". Reflecting and summarizing can help you check your comprehension, demonstrate your respect, and validate their feelings.

5 Offer feedback and solutions

Finally, you can use active listening to offer feedback and solutions to the senior executive. Feedback is a constructive and respectful way of sharing your opinions, observations, or suggestions. For example, you can say "I appreciate your insights and expertise on this matter" or "I think you have raised some valid points and concerns". Solutions are proposals or alternatives that can help resolve the conflict and achieve a win-win outcome. For example, you can say "I suggest that we create a clear action plan and timeline for this project" or "I propose that we meet regularly to update each other on our progress and challenges". Offering feedback and solutions can help you express your views, show your willingness to cooperate, and move the conversation forward.

6 Here’s what else to consider

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