Being a part of a team or just being in a group of people can come with disagreements —which can turn into arguments or unresolved conflicts if you are more of a boil-over than a simmer-down kind of group. This isn’t always intentional. It can be hard to know the best way to handle an uncomfortable situation for both parties involved. Let’s tackle conflict in the dance studio (or anywhere else) with simple strategies that help those bad vibes dissolve so everyone can work together.
Effective Communication
One of the main reasons for conflict is because of lack of communication. This is usually an easy fix! All you have to do is make sure that you are communicating effectively and respectfully with the people surrounding you. Bring up things that bother you or make you uncomfortable, and set boundaries as a group. If you don’t say it, no one will know it. If someone makes a comment you don’t like, politely tell them how it made you feel. Even a simple “That feels bad” can start a conversation. Sometimes, you may need to call a group meeting to have a larger conversation. No matter what, talking it out, calmly and without escalating, is one of the best things you can do.
Find the Root of the Problem
If someone comes up to you and explains they have a problem that includes you, get to the root of it. Sometimes we may not know what caused a problem immediately, meaning we can’t fix it. Find the cause by talking to the person who first brought it up and asking surrounding people who might have been around. Remember this is not about gossip or proving someone wrong, but getting different perspectives so you can resolve the issue and apologize if necessary.
Listen
If someone comes up to you to communicate a conflict, listen. It can be as simple as that. Making sure that the other person involved feels heard and respected will make the conversation much smoother and probably faster. Everyone wants to feel valued and heard, so take a few minutes to sit down and actively listen to them. Ask questions that help you understand without talking over them. A lot of conflict can be resolved by being on the same page as those around you.
Composure
When you have to handle a complicated situation, make sure you are going into it level-headed. This includes keeping your emotions in check, not raising your voice, and hearing the other person out. If you go into conflict letting emotion control you, chances are it will not go well. Remember that the goal is never to prove that you are right or better or that you matter more than anyone else, but to understand and solve a problem together.
