Being assertive is OK.
Learn to balance honesty. Be assertive, not aggressive or passive-aggressive. Clearly communicate expectations and needs for healthy conflict resolution.
Get to the point.
Introduce boundaries gradually to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Take it at your own pace and reflect on their effectiveness for potential adjustments.
Pay attention to behavior.
Understand communication styles. Adapt and reduce conflict by recognizing different perspectives and modifying your approach accordingly.
Replace "you" language with "I" language.
Avoid defensiveness. Use "I feel" or "I need" statements instead of accusatory language. Promote receptive communication and understanding.
Focus on the issue, not the person.
Focus on the issue, not the person. Instead of personalizing, address the problem collaboratively. Reduce defensiveness and combat by keeping the conversation objective.
Paraphrase
Active listening and paraphrasing show genuine care and understanding. Use simple yet powerful communication tools like restating what you've heard to keep conflict productive and minimize defensiveness.
Seek understanding, not agreement.
Seek understanding, not persuasion. Embrace conflict, stay focused on productive outcomes. Show curiosity, ask questions, and make an effort to see the other person's perspective.