Busting Five Top Conflict Myths (Are You Ready to Rule?) Part 3

Myth #3 If I'm the one who initiates the conversation on a topic that causes conflict, then I am 100% responsible for the communication.

Believing this myth keeps people avoiding difficult conversations and speaking up about things that bother them. (And why wouldn't it? Who'd want to take on all that?)

It is also a belief that get reinforced by the people in your life who want you to be 100% responsible  -- and tell you that you are!

The truth is, you are only responsible for yourself and your communication -- for the words you say, the way that you speak, how you treat others in your conversations -- and others are responsible for themselves in the same way.

In a discussion, both people share responsibility for the communication -- asking questions, being open, having self control -- and however it goes, both people have a role in it.

Yes, it's tough when a conversation you initiate goes awry, but that is always a possibility, since keeping things balanced depends on the other person too.


You are at complete liberty to express any topic you want. If it turns into a conflict because the other person doesn't like it, so be it.

Rule in this by checking yourself and how you're behaving. Check your attitude, make sure you're not being contentious -- then leave the other 50% on their side of the room.

DrK

If you'd like more help with keeping clear on your communication responsibilities, contact me at www.confidentconflict.com -- and sign up for my free offer for a few more ways to rule.