The product company partners with multiple teams, serve customers and end-users. As a result, disagreements are inevitable in a product manager's daily interactions. Effective collaboration can't take place if we don't deal with the conflicts that arise. However, knowing how to handle conflict can generate creativity and strengthen collaboration.

Effective collaboration is essential

The FBI's Crisis Negotiation Unit developed this method to change someone else's behaviour.<ol><li>Active listening: It's important to really listen to the person you're in conflict with.</li><li>Empathy: Try to understand the other person's perspective and needs.</li><li>Rapport: When people feel understood, they are more likely to trust, enabling us to build rapport.</li><li>Influence: The closer relationship created is a baseline to encourage someone to listen to our perspective.</li><li>Behaviour change: By following the first four steps, you're more likely to change someone's behaviour.</li></ol>

The behavioral change stairway model

We can train ourselves to be better listeners:<ul><li>Be fully present and listen with attention.</li><li>Keep an open mind and try not to judge.</li><li>Listen for what is being said, emotions that are present, and expressed needs.</li></ul>

Techniques for better listening

<ul><li>Speak and act with integrity.</li><li>Get to know people and allow them to get to know you.</li><li>Encourage others to share their ideas and/or concerns in product decisions.</li><li>Be supportive and offer help whenever appropriate.</li><li>Strengthen your product management expertise </li></ul>

Techniques for building trust

Learn how to effectively handle conflict as a product manager (which can lead to better collaboration) from product management expert Roman Pichler.

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