Why confront something when you can avoid it

Use specific examples and ask questions to make sure they are understanding. Need to confront a direct report about their recent behavior? Ask if they have anything they want to add or ideas for how best to deal with these kinds of things moving forward. In that case, resist the urge to be pulled into a fight.

Maggie Seaver. By Maggie Seaver Updated July 24, Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. In other words, you pick and choose your battles wisely. Analyzing a situation before it reaches a point of no return amounts to no wasted breath and no harm, no foul. Foresight warns you that confrontation may not be worth the potential result , which leads to avoidance.

If you would most definitely never write an entire album about your ex, Olivia Rodrigo-style, you might just have a more passive personality, says Tina B. Tessina , Ph. Practicing having confidence in yourself — and affirming that your needs matter — can be a big part of your fight, freeze, or Amy Santiago journey. Getting burned before is a pretty quick way to teach you to avoid fights. When a given circumstance signals you to fight, flee, or freeze, the easiest decision for you might be to walk away.

The pressure mounts and perceived stress is followed by sweat, an increased heart rate, and worry, and your gut reaction to is avoid the situation altogether. Who needs angst when you have a reliable Rolodex of conflict resolution techniques in your back pocket? You like to know what to expect in your days, from beginning to end. Your friends might value your flexibility; you find it easy to see both sides of a disagreement, but you'd rather not voice your personal view on any given matter, should it sway heavily in one direction or another.

Go into this believing that you can strike a compromise or solution that satisfies you both. Discuss the positive and negative possibilities of each suggestion before you reject any suggested solutions, and decide on follow-up plan that meets the needs of all parties and the organization. Agree on what each person will do to address the issue, and set clear goals that are S.

Finally, do what you agree to do. And follow up after the confrontation to touch base and reaffirm your connection. Of course, not every confrontation can or will end positively. To build a more rewarding, successful career, visit KathyCaprino. This is a BETA experience. You may opt-out by clicking here. More From Forbes.

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