Return the Brain to Calm: Minimize Conflict Through Effective Communication
- skeffer
- Sep 30
- 2 min read
Conflict Triggers Impulsive Reactions
Neuroscientists explain that in stressful situations, our amygdala triggers emotional responses, reducing access to the prefrontal cortex, where higher-order thinking occurs. In the workplace, this reaction can quickly escalate into heated conversations, misunderstandings, and even full-blown arguments. The results can be devastating. Employees can become agitated and disgruntled. Clients can become upset and dissatisfied.
Bringing the Brain Back to Calm with Communication
Effective communication has the power to guide us from reaction back to rational thought. It is a compassionate way to create understanding while addressing an issue. Specific communication techniques can calm the amygdala and restore the prefrontal cortex’s role in decision-making, allowing employees to handle conflict more constructively.
Proven communication techniques to de-escalate and re-engage rational thinking include:
Using a Low, Calm Tone
Speaking calmly can help the other person feel safe, lowering their emotional response and encouraging their brain to process information more logically.
Asking Simple Sequence Questions
When the prefrontal cortex is off-line, problem solving cannot occur. By asking simple, familiar questions—such as addresses, phone numbers, spellings, or dates relevant to the issue—you can help bring the prefrontal cortex back online.
Practicing Reflective Listening
Reflecting back what you hear helps individuals feel understood, which can reduce defensiveness. This approach allows both parties to feel heard and valued, creating a pathway back to logical discussion.
Allowing Pauses
When tensions are high, avoid rushing to respond. Allowing pauses gives emotions time to subside so the prefrontal cortex can re-engage, helping the process move more smoothly.
Why These Techniques Work
Harvard Business Review highlights that individuals are more willing to listen and compromise when they feel secure and heard, which decreases emotional reactivity and fosters mutual understanding. Reflective listening and calm tones create psychological safety. Slowly bringing the prefrontal cortex back online speeds productive problem solving. When people feel secure and heard, emotional reactivity decreases and mutual understanding improves.
By intentionally using these communication techniques, employees and leaders alike can help each other remain calm and return to rational thinking during challenging conversations.
Set up your 30-minute call with Sonia Keffer to learn how our training program can decrease conflict and increase productive time at work.
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