How can Product R&D professionals communicate more effectively in conflict resolution?

Conflict resolution is a vital skill for product R&D professionals, who often work in cross-functional teams and deal with complex and uncertain challenges. However, communication breakdowns, misunderstandings, and disagreements can hinder the collaboration and innovation process. How can product R&D professionals communicate more effectively in conflict resolution? Here are some tips to help you navigate the tricky situations and foster a positive and productive work environment.

1 Identify the root cause

Before you engage in a conflict resolution conversation, try to understand the root cause of the issue. Is it a difference of opinion, a misunderstanding, a personal conflict, or a lack of resources? Knowing the underlying cause can help you frame the problem and avoid assumptions and accusations. It can also help you empathize with the other party and see their perspective.

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Jaya Sharma Awasthi

Node JS | Angular JS | React JS | Next JS | Javascript | GraphQL Certified | DevOps | Docker | Typescript | MySql | Mongodb |HTML | CSS
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📍Hear concerns fully. 📍Clear goals 📍Value varied perspectives. 📍Open communication 📍Seek joint solutions. 📍Foster transparent dialogue.

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Raul Eduardo Montaño Marmolejo

Ingeniero Mecánico | Magister en Administración | Jefe Nacional de Mantenimiento | Gerente de Mantenimiento | MBA | PCM | Transporte | Flotas | Maquinaria Amarilla | Planeación de Mantenimiento |
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Una utilidad que he encontrado en mi experiencia profesional es: no tomar nada personal. No involucrarse emocionalmente en una discusión de trabajo permite enfocar la conversación sobre el proceso y no sobre las personas. Si, lo sé, es más fácil decirlo que aplicarlo; sin embargo cuando se realiza el ejercicio de manera consciente, se puede concluir antes de llegar a la reunión si nuestras emociones están en el asunto.

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2 Choose the right channel

Depending on the nature and urgency of the conflict, you may need to choose the most appropriate channel to communicate. For instance, if you need to resolve a minor misunderstanding, you may use email or chat to clarify and apologize. However, if you need to address a serious disagreement or a sensitive issue, you may want to use a phone call or a video conference to have a more direct and personal conversation. Avoid using text-based channels for complex or emotional conflicts, as they can easily lead to misinterpretation and escalation.

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3 Use active listening

Active listening is a key skill for effective communication and conflict resolution. It means paying attention to what the other person is saying, asking open-ended questions, paraphrasing and summarizing their points, and acknowledging their feelings and concerns. Active listening can help you show respect, build rapport, and avoid interruptions and distractions. It can also help you identify the common ground and the areas of disagreement.

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Raul Eduardo Montaño Marmolejo

Ingeniero Mecánico | Magister en Administración | Jefe Nacional de Mantenimiento | Gerente de Mantenimiento | MBA | PCM | Transporte | Flotas | Maquinaria Amarilla | Planeación de Mantenimiento |
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La escucha activa es importante, porque no solo permite entender los puntos de vista del interlocutor, sino que también permite que nos pongamos en el lugar de él. Por consiguiente, se puede desarrollar empatía con el interlocutor y también ofrecerle posibles soluciones al respecto. Un ejemplo: después de escuchar con atención lo que la persona tiene para decir, se puede utilizar frases como: "ahora entiendo su punto de vista..." "si estuviera en su lugar, estaría haciendo lo mismo, sin embargo, sugiero que se podría..."

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4 Focus on interests, not positions

When you are in a conflict situation, you may tend to focus on your position, which is what you want or demand. However, this can create a win-lose scenario and increase the tension and resistance. Instead, try to focus on your interests, which are the underlying reasons, needs, or motivations behind your position. Similarly, try to understand the interests of the other party, and look for ways to satisfy both sides. Focusing on interests can help you create a win-win scenario and find creative and mutually beneficial solutions.

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Raul Eduardo Montaño Marmolejo

Ingeniero Mecánico | Magister en Administración | Jefe Nacional de Mantenimiento | Gerente de Mantenimiento | MBA | PCM | Transporte | Flotas | Maquinaria Amarilla | Planeación de Mantenimiento |
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En mi opinión, es muy importante darse la oportunidad de conocer en detalle el proceso productivo / operativo de la empresa, de tal manera que cuando se generen discusiones respecto del trabajo, no se hable de los intereses del uno o del otro, sino que se hable de los intereses de la compañía. Es posible que tengamos desacuerdo con los compañeros de trabajo, pero el trabajo en equipo redunda en los resultados colectivos de la organización. Cuando las discusiones laborales se enfocan en los intereses particulares, pierde la compañía y por ende sus empleados.

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5 Use constructive feedback

Feedback is an essential part of product R&D, as it helps you improve your work and learn from your mistakes. However, feedback can also trigger conflict if it is delivered or received poorly. To avoid this, use constructive feedback, which is specific, timely, balanced, and actionable. Constructive feedback can help you highlight the strengths and weaknesses of the work, provide suggestions for improvement, and encourage further collaboration. Avoid using vague, delayed, negative, or irrelevant feedback, as it can damage the relationship and the quality of the work.

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6 Seek support when needed

Sometimes, you may not be able to resolve a conflict on your own, and you may need to seek support from others. For instance, you may need to involve a mediator, a facilitator, or a manager to help you bridge the gap and reach an agreement. Alternatively, you may need to consult a mentor, a colleague, or a friend to get some advice, feedback, or emotional support. Seeking support can help you gain a different perspective, learn new skills, and cope with stress and frustration.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Garima Awasthi

Lead Technology at Successive Technologies
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- Focus on understanding perspectives before responding. - Ensure everyone agrees on the objectives to avoid misunderstandings. - Create an environment where diverse opinions are valued. - Maintain a professional and respectful tone. - Define roles clearly to prevent conflicts arising from overlapping responsibilities. - Provide feedback in a constructive manner to facilitate improvement. - Ensure resolution discussions lead to actionable outcomes and closure. - Learn from past conflicts to improve future communication strategies.

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How can Product R&D professionals communicate more effectively in conflict resolution?

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2

3

4

5

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1 Identify the root cause

2 Choose the right channel

3 Use active listening

4 Focus on interests, not positions

5 Use constructive feedback

6 Seek support when needed

7 Here’s what else to consider

Product R&D

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How can Product R&D professionals communicate more effectively in conflict resolution?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Identify the root cause

2 Choose the right channel

3 Use active listening

4 Focus on interests, not positions

5 Use constructive feedback

6 Seek support when needed

7 Here’s what else to consider

Product R&D

Rate this article

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