Showing posts with label Steve Brunkhorst. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Steve Brunkhorst. Show all posts

Saturday, 13 September 2014

The Benefits of Conflict

Resolving Conflicts – 5 Key Essentials


By


conflict1 Conflicts will arise in our personal lives and careers at some point in time. Conflicts may involve differing opinions, or they may involve a stronghold on matters of self-interest. In either situation, we can resolve these conflicts in ways that bring mutual respect and an enhanced sense of empowerment to our relationships.



Here are 5 key essentials to remember when resolving a conflict in either a personal or professional relationship.


1. Tell the truth about why you disagree.


If another’s opinion threatens you in a personal way, or someone has demanded that you take a side against someone else, then you have another matter to resolve before you will ever resolve the conflict. Similarly, you’ll want accurate information about the other person’s position. Let the other person or group know the truth about your position. This allows an honest assessment needed for both parties to reach agreement.


2. Seek common ground.


There is a lighthearted quote by Alison Boulter: “Always remember you’re unique, just like everyone else.” Although our talents and experiences differentiate us, all of us do have commonalities, ideas, and opinions upon which we can agree. I am not referring to the shallow adage, “We must agree to disagree sometimes.” When we seek and find true common ground, we look with sincerity and intention for peaceful solutions that will benefit both parties.


3. Work toward mutual benefits.


shake-hands A common error in conflict resolution is to seek a win rather than the win-win outcome that Robert Alan described in today’s featured nugget. We cannot resolve conflicts with more conflict, seeking revenge or gains of power over others. How often have you seen that result in resentments and further damage to relationships? The ultimate goal in conflict resolution is not to “win” a conflict. The ultimate goal is to enhance personal and professional growth through problem solving.


4. Focus on issues rather than personalities.


We best resolve conflicts in a courteous manner: getting the facts, listening closely to the other’s opinions, asking for clarification, and communicating ideas clearly. Our focus remains on the issue at hand, not on the people involved. We must separate the issues from personalities to resolve conflicts effectively.


5. Watch for the benefits.


two warriors Could your conflict actually bring you benefits? Absolutely! If you resolve a conflict in a constructive manner, you might receive greater understanding of the working style of your group or another individual, greater knowledge of your values and the values of your partner, enhanced group dynamics and mutual respect between team or family members. As stated in essential number three, you can enhance personal and professional growth in this process.


Conflicts can allow human beings with dignity and worth to share the value of unique experiences. We can treat those with whom we disagree with respect and dignity while learning from their experiences. In this way, we will benefit from our differences as well as similarities. We will grow toward our capacity for living abundantly and peacefully, extending the full range of our gifts to others in the service of our Creator and our world.



© Copyright 2013 by Steve Brunkhorst. Steve is a professional life strategies coach, inspirational author, and the editor of Achieve! 60-Second Nuggets of Inspiration, a popular ezine bringing great stories, motivational nuggets, and inspiring thoughts to help you achieve more in your career and personal life. Find many resources for achievement by visiting http://ift.tt/1e0HdgP






The post The Benefits of Conflict appeared first on Robert JR Graham.


Wednesday, 13 August 2014

The Benefits of Conflict

Resolving Conflicts – 5 Key Essentials


By


conflict1 Conflicts will arise in our personal lives and careers at some point in time. Conflicts may involve differing opinions, or they may involve a stronghold on matters of self-interest. In either situation, we can resolve these conflicts in ways that bring mutual respect and an enhanced sense of empowerment to our relationships.



Here are 5 key essentials to remember when resolving a conflict in either a personal or professional relationship.


1. Tell the truth about why you disagree.


If another’s opinion threatens you in a personal way, or someone has demanded that you take a side against someone else, then you have another matter to resolve before you will ever resolve the conflict. Similarly, you’ll want accurate information about the other person’s position. Let the other person or group know the truth about your position. This allows an honest assessment needed for both parties to reach agreement.


2. Seek common ground.


There is a lighthearted quote by Alison Boulter: “Always remember you’re unique, just like everyone else.” Although our talents and experiences differentiate us, all of us do have commonalities, ideas, and opinions upon which we can agree. I am not referring to the shallow adage, “We must agree to disagree sometimes.” When we seek and find true common ground, we look with sincerity and intention for peaceful solutions that will benefit both parties.


3. Work toward mutual benefits.


shake-hands A common error in conflict resolution is to seek a win rather than the win-win outcome that Robert Alan described in today’s featured nugget. We cannot resolve conflicts with more conflict, seeking revenge or gains of power over others. How often have you seen that result in resentments and further damage to relationships? The ultimate goal in conflict resolution is not to “win” a conflict. The ultimate goal is to enhance personal and professional growth through problem solving.


4. Focus on issues rather than personalities.


We best resolve conflicts in a courteous manner: getting the facts, listening closely to the other’s opinions, asking for clarification, and communicating ideas clearly. Our focus remains on the issue at hand, not on the people involved. We must separate the issues from personalities to resolve conflicts effectively.


5. Watch for the benefits.


two warriors Could your conflict actually bring you benefits? Absolutely! If you resolve a conflict in a constructive manner, you might receive greater understanding of the working style of your group or another individual, greater knowledge of your values and the values of your partner, enhanced group dynamics and mutual respect between team or family members. As stated in essential number three, you can enhance personal and professional growth in this process.


Conflicts can allow human beings with dignity and worth to share the value of unique experiences. We can treat those with whom we disagree with respect and dignity while learning from their experiences. In this way, we will benefit from our differences as well as similarities. We will grow toward our capacity for living abundantly and peacefully, extending the full range of our gifts to others in the service of our Creator and our world.



© Copyright 2013 by Steve Brunkhorst. Steve is a professional life strategies coach, inspirational author, and the editor of Achieve! 60-Second Nuggets of Inspiration, a popular ezine bringing great stories, motivational nuggets, and inspiring thoughts to help you achieve more in your career and personal life. Find many resources for achievement by visiting http://ift.tt/1e0HdgP






The post The Benefits of Conflict appeared first on Robert JR Graham.


Friday, 8 August 2014

How to Succeed for the Rest of Your Life

by: Steve Brunkhorst


I spoke recently with the owner of a large clothing store who had poured years of effort into his business. He had achieved his dream and built a successful career. However, his hectic pace was becoming difficult to maintain.


New interests were tugging at his heartstrings. He felt himself entering another phase of life. He wanted a change but didn’t want to give up his successful lifestyle.


What would you do if you felt yourself heading for a major change? How could you play a big enough game to follow your heart and continue to succeed? Here are some ideas and questions to consider.


Welcome New Desires and Changes


You will feel new desires as your needs and values change over time. Welcome these desires as doorways to a compelling future. Your new interests are there for a reason. They keep you on purpose and allow you to live in harmony with your changing values.


What do you really want the most right now? Write down what will be thrilling about your future. See and feel your goals as if you had already obtained them. Let your desire for new accomplishments build and burn passionately within your heart. Welcome new desires with open arms.


Ask Yourself Meaningful Questions


Ask questions that will intrigue you and lead to self-discovery. For example, what, more than anything, determines the quality of your life? What are the most important things your past has taught you? What would bring you permanent success and satisfaction?


These revealing questions will bring insights and focus your mind to take action. A life-long curiosity about yourself will move you toward the fulfillment of your desires.


Update Your Knowledge


Curiosity also leads to learning. Read a variety of books by authors you have not read before. Become a student of ground-breaking ideas as well as accepted theories. What do you need to know that would allow you to pursue a promising new interest?


Continuous learning is necessary for continuous success — especially in today’s rapidly changing world. Keep seeking new wisdom, and apply that wisdom daily.


Keep Great Company


Learn with friends and colleagues in an atmosphere of mutual support. Teleclasses provide an economical and enjoyable way to investigate current trends. Groups can discuss ways to interpret and apply the teachings of great books. Participants can examine new points of view as well as gain support and encouragement for their plans.


Supportive relationships with peer groups provide a positive influence and offer a wealth of learning and creativity through friendship and conversation. Where could you find the support to help you manifest your desires?


Create Some New Recipes


Use your knowledge to write some tantalizing plans to achieve your objectives. Think of your plans as recipes. Choose the ingredients carefully. Experiment with creative ideas and fresh approaches to reach goals.


Life-long winners dive beneath the surface of life’s circumstances and appearances. They uncover new options and solve problems in original ways. They focus on creativity rather than competition. They create fortune from misfortune. What usually triggers your most creative ideas?


Capture Your Wisdom in Words


Record your knowledge in a journal. Include experiences, dreams, stories, poems, and quotes that inspire you. Keep track of successes and failures so that you will learn from both.


Writing will also trigger valuable new ideas. What is the first thing you would write in your journal today?


Revitalize Your Body and Spirit


Life-long achievers maintain physical and spiritual vitality. A healthy body reflects a healthy spirit. Prayer and meditation can revitalize the spirit. An appropriate physician-approved nutrition and a fitness program can revitalize the body. How could you begin raising your level of energy and vitality?


Feel Gratitude for Your Achievements


Acknowledge with gratitude all of your life situations – the desirable and undesirable. Then create a deep feeling of gratitude for your future accomplishments as if they were already achieved.


Gratitude strengthens faith. It allows you to choose the life scenario you want based on present-moment actions. You will manifest the possibilities for which you are sincerely grateful. What are you the most grateful for now?


Bring Your Gifts to the World


Your definition of success will evolve throughout life. Your perspective will shift from what you want to obtain to what you want to give. It is by using your talents and bringing your special gifts to the world that you will receive your heart’s desires. What talents do you possess that you’ve never developed to their full potential?


You can succeed for the rest of your life if you honor your values. You will grow by welcoming new desires as a natural unfolding of your life’s purpose. A spirit of sincere gratitude and giving will manifest those desires. Best of all, you can enjoy every step of the journey.


Source






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