Whether you are disagreeing with a colleague over the direction of a creative project, or how to approach a new client pitch, conflict at work is never easy. As much as many of us would like to run for the hills when faced with confrontation, it’s part and parcel of our daily business world. Indeed, how you handle difficult situations could even determine your suitability for more senior positions, especially with
management responsibilities.
So, the next time you find yourself unsure of how to handle conflict, here are the top eight behaviors of people that possess executive presence; the magical aura that turns heads, commands respect and trust, and inspires others when confronted with difficult conversations.
Behaving with these things in mind will help you command the respect of colleagues regardless of your job title or seniority. For example, even a relatively junior employee can be more helpful if she is rational and tries to communicate warmly and hopefully when trying to resolve a tricky situation.
If you are relatively new to some of these behaviors and attitudes, don’t beat yourself up about not being “perfect.” Leaders are not made overnight, and practicing leadership behaviors and attitudes is an important part of getting there.
Peggy Klaus advises senior managers on leadership, communication, dealing with conflict, and raising executive presence.