Active Listening: A Key Tool for Conflict Resolution Success

Now we are all living in a world that thrives on communication; so conflicts are bound to arise. Be it in personal relationships, professional environments, or daily interactions, conflict resolution is significant for maintaining harmony and progress.

You have to understand and implement the power of different strategies including active listening. Listening actively can help you bridge gaps, resolve disputes, and achieve constructive results.

Understanding the Significance of Active Listening

Active listening is a significant aspect to consider for effective collaboration. Rather than preparing your denial while the other party is speaking, you should truly engage with their words. It’s suggested that you should suppress the urge to counterattack and focus on comprehending their perspective. It may sound simple but requires conscious effort. For listening actively, you should follow the “PASSED” technique.

What Do You Mean By PASSED Technique for Active Listening?

To listen actively and comprehensively, you can consider the PASSED technique

Paraphrase –

You need to use different words to reiterate what the other party said. This clarifies their views and shows that you're trying to understand them genuinely.

Ask Open-Ended Questions –

You should motivate the other party to elaborate by asking questions that they can’t answer with a simple "yes" or "no." That gives you a deeper insight into their thoughts.

Summarize –

You have to add their main points into a concise statement that showcases that you better understand their viewpoint.

Suspend Judgment –

It’s necessary to refrain from forming judgments prematurely. You need to keep yourself open-minded and avoid knee-jerk reactions.

Empathize –

You should put yourself in their shoes and express an understanding of their emotions. It helps you create a bridge of empathy between you and the other party.

Do Not Offer Advice –

When listening actively, you should understand the facts very well rather than providing solutions. Avoid being tempted to give advice until you've truly grasped their perspective.

Final Conclusion –

When it comes to conflict resolution, it’s recommended to adopt active listening and implement the PASSED technique. By considering this strategy, you will build bridges of understanding and communication, transcending adversarial dynamics.

At Michael Gregory Consulting, Mike – a qualified mediator who specializes in conflict analysis and resolution helps you resolve conflicts but strengthens relationships and allows you to move towards a more harmonious world. Embrace the power of active listening and resolve conflict situations as effectively as possible.