Two shoe salespeople were assigned new territory in a remote country. In a few days, their employer received telegrams from each.
The first one read: “Get me out of here—no one here wears shoes.”
The other read: “Send more inventory—no one here owns shoes!”
This is an old tale often re-told in the context of marketing. It’s just as relevant for effective conflict resolution.
In difficult conversations, you’re more like the first person if you view conflict as a losing proposition, a signal of insurmountable problems, or a painful thing to be avoided.
You’re more like the second person if you view difficult conversations—particularly with the important people in your life, at work and home—as opportunities. Opportunities to make better decisions, improve understanding and communication, reduce tension, strengthen relationships you want to or must preserve, or get a project done and done right.
In this season of hope, possibility, and a fresh new year ahead, I invite you to consider adopting the second frame of mind. It’s a choice.
Posted on Dec 21st 06 by Tammy Lenski.
Tammy helps people talk out their differences and build stronger work and home relationships in the process. She does this as a coach, mediator and trainer and works with people worldwide. http://www.lenski.com
Other posts on Coachamatic by Tammy Lenski.
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