How can vocal coaches identify and address conflicts early on?

1 Know your style

Different vocal coaches have different styles of teaching, communicating, and giving feedback. Some are more direct, some are more supportive, some are more flexible, some are more structured. Knowing your own style can help you understand how you approach conflicts and what triggers you. You can also use your style to adapt to your students' needs and preferences, and to avoid misunderstandings or clashes.

3 Express yourself clearly

Another key skill for conflict resolution is clear expression. This means stating your expectations, goals, and preferences in a respectful and constructive way. You can use "I" statements to express your feelings and needs, without blaming or criticizing your students. You can also use positive language to focus on solutions, not problems. For example, instead of saying "You are always late", you can say "I appreciate it when you show up on time".

4 Negotiate effectively

Sometimes, you and your students may have different or incompatible interests, and you need to find a way to compromise or accommodate each other. This is where negotiation skills come in handy. Negotiation is a process of finding a mutually acceptable outcome that meets both parties' needs and interests. To negotiate effectively, you need to identify the underlying issues, explore the options, and evaluate the pros and cons of each option. You also need to be willing to give and take, and to respect the other party's position.