You don't have to agree to show understanding, empathy, and compassion

Think twice before deciding which side you are on, while you are listening to other people trash-talking their managers, colleagues, or partners. ⚠️

According to a recent study, by siding with the interlocutor, we are just adding more fuel to the conflict, which discourages the interlocutor to forgive and make peace with the other party [1]. To be supportive, we do not have to choose a side. The most important thing is to create a safe space for the other person to vent their emotions and collect their thoughts.

We can do it by asking open questions, such as:

✔️ What happened?

✔️ How does it make you feel?

✔️ Why is it important for you?

✔️ What is the next step? Remember that our goal as good conversational partners is not to condemn anyone but rather be patiently present with the other person. ❤️

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[1] Lemay, E. P., Ryan, J. E., Fehr, R., & Gelfand, M. J. (2020). Validation of negativity: Drawbacks of interpersonal responsiveness during conflicts with outsiders. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 119(1), 104–135. https://doi.org/10.1037/pspi0000214