14 WAYS TO NOURISH CONFLICT: What Creates Conflict and How To Defuse Anger (By: Linda Eve Diamond)

What Creates Conflict and How To Defuse Anger and Nourish Peace

By: Linda Eve Diamond

Excerpts from the Linda's book Rule#1: Stop Talking! – A Guide to Listening

Linda Eve Diamond is the author of business and educational books and a book of poetry. She currently serves on the executive board of the International Listening Association. Diamond comes from a corporate training background where she wrote, developed, and delivered courses in management, communication, and personal growth.

For more information about the author and her work, visit www.LindaEveDiamond.com and www.ListenersUnite.com

1. Not Listening

If you love conflict in your life, don't listen to anyone. Especially if someone is already hot under the collar, any sign of not listening will turn up the heat.

The Other 13 Ways To Nourish Conflict

Other ways to nurture and feed hostility include:

A hostile reaction
Insults
Yelling
Judgments or assumptions
Self-interest
Unrealistic expectations
Blame
Sarcasm
Harsh words
Insincerity
A "How is that my problem?" attitude
Minimizing a problem
Judging a reaction

How To Nourish Peace Instead

If you would prefer to minimize angry encounters and defuse hostility, try behaviors that nourish peace instead. The best strategies for defusing anger begin with listening.