Daring to disagree: Empowering your inner self to manage conflict for good
In this blog, we will explore how an individual can empower his/her inner self, learn how to disagree constructively, and harness his/her full potential in the professional space
In life, we often face situations where we need to speak our mind, voice our opinion, and stand up for what we believe in. However, some individuals, despite being right, do not express themselves. They struggle to disagree due to the inherent nature of ‘conflict avoidance’ or a fear of conflict. This not only leads to missed opportunities in both professional and personal life hindering growth and success but is also deeply frustrating.
The fear of conflict generally arises out of beliefs like: ‘conflict is harmful’ or ‘I must avoid disagreements to be liked as a person’ or ‘disagreement with seniors is being disrespectful to them’ or even a very basic belief ‘I am not good enough to disagree with somebody more qualified’. All these are limiting beliefs that can be overcome or removed using simple NLP techniques.
We all learn and develop our map of the world using ‘Generalizations’. And based on our experiences develop our belief system. The problem occurs when we slowly start thinking that these beliefs are absolute facts, but this is not true. Our language pattern and the Meta model which controls our internal programming uses universal quantifiers: words like always or never when used in expressions: I always fail, I never win, people don’t care – become our guiding mechanism. So, questioning beliefs, re-evaluatingour own values on a regular basis becomes critical. Powerful questions during coaching conversations can help to find ‘counter examples’ within the inner self against the beliefs that help open possibilities.
The ‘Fear of Conflict’ is also a common trait among many individuals. It may stem from past negative experiences or a lack of confidence in one’s own opinions. Identifying the origins of this fear is essential to address it effectively and make progress towards embracing disagreement.
Reframing disagreements also helps. Contrary to popular belief, disagreement does not have to be negative. It can be a catalyst for growth, fostering creativity, innovation, and mutual understanding. By recognizing that disagreement is a natural part of human interactions, we can reframe our perception of conflict and view it as an opportunity for personal development.
A mix of other valuable techniques – by learning how to express opinions assertively, active listening to others’ viewpoints, andengaging in open dialogue, one can navigate disagreements with greater confidence and composure. Overcoming the fear of rejection, building emotional resilience, honoringour authentic self, and an open mind to transform conflict into opportunity can provide newfound sense of empowerment that will open doors to endless possibilities in both personal and professional life.
