STEP 1: LISTEN TO THE PODCAST
Questions on Confrontation
In this podcast we will be addressing questions on confrontation. We will be making basic inquiries of who, when, where, what in relation to having confrontation with results.
In this podcast we will be addressing questions on confrontation. We will be making basic inquiries of who, when, where, what in relation to having confrontation with results.
Confrontation and conflict do not have to be a negative activity in a relationship. Confrontation can be very positive when conducted in a healthy manner. We suggest the following components of effective confrontation.
1. Separate the person from the action. (Put emphasis on character above action)
Every person has value even if we don’t value what they have said or what they have done.
Look for the character of value in a circumstance you don’t much care for.
Trying to inflict guilt and shame for a misdeed may work for a short term result but it does not build a strong relationship.
Guilt someone into doing something and you will have to keep applying that guilt.
2. Separate time and space from the person if no progress. (Time away can give emotion time to adjust and also give a fresh perspective.)
Create time and space for personal reflection and personal growth.
Alienation is not what we are talking about here. It is time away for a purpose.
If you are going to create space then do the hard work of personal reflection and personal growth so that you can come back to the relationship with something new to offer.
3. Confront only what the person can change. (Be realistic in expectation of what person can do)
If a person is introverted confronting them about not wanting to go to the next party will not change them.
You can’t change the spots on leopards or stripes on zebras. You can’t change someone’s basic makeup.
Embrace individuality and move toward unity or community.
Be grateful for others in their differences and compassionate how certain change could be difficult.
4. Give the person the benefit of the doubt. (Think in terms of the person wanting to help not harm)
Grace is giving someone that benefit of the doubt when they may not even deserve it
Compassion is a universal word in all major religions for a purpose.
We are all fellow strugglers and we too will struggle and need to be confronted.
I tell couples that are in tension: “Would you each give each other the benefit of the doubt. Your partner is not hanging out in this relationship saying, “I really want my this relationship to suck” They too want a good relationship or they wouldn’t be this invested in the process of coaching or counseling.”