SLPs and Conflict Management

Workplace conflict can be common for SLPs, whether it’s in a contentious meeting, part of a disagreement with a supervisor, or with a student who doesn’t want to come to their session! Conflict can be challenging, even for experienced SLPs, but there are tools available that can help us feel more confident when faced with tense interactions. This episode covers several strategies related to SLPs and conflict management.

First, the episode focuses on principles from Nonviolent Communication. Nonviolent Communication is an approach influenced by Carl Rogers, and it emphasizes the importance of accessing empathy during conflicts.

The four main components of Nonviolent Communication are:

1. Observation
2. Feelings
3. Needs
4. Requests

In a conflict, it’s important to observe what is happening without judgment, state feelings about the situation, and then make a request to address the needs connected to the situation.

Nonviolent Communication also uses two animal metaphors to describe different communication styles:

1. Jackal communication
2. Giraffe communication

Jackal communication is based on the idea that jackals are carnivores who travel low to the ground, so their perspective is limited. When a person uses a jackal communication style, they may rush to judgment without looking at the full picture.

Giraffe communication is based on the idea that giraffes have big hearts and use their height to gain an expansive perspective. When a person uses a giraffe communication style, they speak from the heart and have a broad perspective.

The episode also includes research-based strategies from Harvard’s Program Negotiation. These strategies highlight the human tendency to use an “us vs. them” mentality, and point out the value of finding common ground during a conflict.

To close, the episode features a reminder from well-known hostage negotiator Chris Voss, who asserts that in any conversation, the listener is in control.

If you’re looking for engaging, interactive, and time-saving speech therapy materials that both students and SLPs will love, check out what the Digital SLP® membership site has to offer, or sign up for our 30-day free trial for instant access to more than 2000 engaging, high-quality resources. Our TPT store is also available!

References and Resources:

5 Conflict Resolution Strategies
Four Conflict Negotiation Strategies for Resolving Value-Based Disputes
Never Split the Difference
Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life
The Scary Meeting Survival Guide

This post contains affiliate links for which we may receive compensation at no additional cost to you. Click here to read our full affiliate policy.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jessica Cassity, M.S., CCC-SLP is a speech-language pathologist in Florida. She is the founder of Digital SLP, which specializes in online speech therapy materials for busy SLPs. She also blogs and hosts a podcast, both of which can be found on The Digital SLP. In her spare time she enjoys yoga, cooking, the outdoors, and spending time with her children.