Keeping Calm in Conflict: Validation Strategies for Heated Moments [episode 52]

Listen to Keeping Calm in Conflict: Validation Strategies for Heated Moments on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | your platform of choice

If you’ve been following along the last few weeks, we’ve been discussing the power of validation here on the podcast!

We’re talking about one of the hardest times to practice validation in this episode – during tough conversations. Yep…I’m talking about those heated moments where emotions run high, and it’s so easy for things to quickly go sideways.

Whether it’s on the ranch, within our family business, or somewhere else in our day-to-day lives, it’s imperative that we know how to stay grounded and keep the lines of communication open, even when things get tense. In today’s episode, I talk about keeping calm in conflict, and helpful validation strategies for heated moments.

High stakes equals high emotions, and this comes up regularly in agriculture. While financial pressures, generational expectations, and even weather can cause stress, we don’t have to let these moments spiral into conflict. It’s VITAL that we find ways to stay grounded. Sometimes it’s as simple as taking a ‘pause’ and breathing before you respond – I’ve learned just how life-changing breathwork can be!

Choosing to acknowledge both our emotions + the other person’s can be super beneficial. Not only does this decrease the ‘power’ these emotions tend to have over us, but it also lets the other person know we understand them, and they matter.

Taking the time to use neutral, calm language will help prevent escalation during heated moments, as well as setting boundaries. Remember…validating someone’s feelings doesn’t mean you have to fully agree with (or understand) their feelings or perspective. Validation simply means being respectful of both sides, regardless of your beliefs.

I want to challenge you to try one (or a few) of these validation strategies the next time you find yourself in a tense situation (or better yet…maybe practice BEFORE the situation arises). I hope you’ve enjoyed this series, and everything you’ve learned about validation will be helpful in your own life!

In this episode, Keeping Calm in Conflict: Validation Strategies for Heated Moments, we cover:

Understanding that high stakes equals high emotions + how this plays out in our day-to-day rural lives
How to stay ‘grounded’ during heated moments
Why acknowledging everyone’s emotions during tough, heated moments matters
The power that comes from using neutral, calm language
The importance of balancing validation with setting boundaries

Resources & Links:

Rare Leadership in the Workplace
Join the waitlist for the Good Movement Collective
Good Movement music by: Aaron Espe
Podcast produced by: Jill Carr Podcasting

Connect with Terryn:

Follow on Instagram @terryn.drieling
Check out my website
Send me an email at terryn@terryndrieling.com

Related Episode:

Episode 15: Repairing After a Fight
Episode 36: Boundaries Are Kind
Episode 51: Practical Tips for Validation: How to Validate and Seek It in Relationships
Episode 50: Validation vs. Agreement: Understanding the Difference and Why It Matters
Episode 49: Calming the Sort Alley: How to Communicate in the Heat of the Moment

More about the Good Movement Draws Good Movement podcast:

In stockmanship (the art and science of handling cattle in a safe, effective, low-stress manner), we have this phrase . . . good movement draws good movement.

It’s this thing that happens when we ask a small group of cattle, maybe a cow, or a pair to move out in a certain direction and their movement draws the whole herd into moving in the same direction.

Good movement happens when we approach the cattle with a positive attitude, read and really listen to what they’re telling us, and communicate accordingly.

We don’t approach the aware, flighty cattle the same as we do the tame, docile cattle. We adjust ourselves, our energy, and approach, and communicate with each differently.

These adjustments help us effectively draw good movement from each, which then draws good movement from the herd. But it starts with us.

The same is true for humans. Good movement starts with us.

Welcome to Good Movement Draws Good Movement, the podcast where farmers, ranchers, and rural folks can grow relationally through awareness, understanding, and effective communication.

Hey, it’s me – T. I’m your host, and I, along with my guests, will be covering topics related to drawing good movement – things like self and social awareness, brain science, positive psychology, extending grace, and so much more.

We’ll share tools that can help you understand why you are the way you are, why others are the way they are, and how you can use that to step out of self-told lies with grace and compassion to draw good movement in conversations, relationships, and life in rural America.

Tune in every Tuesday and make sure to hit subscribe so you never miss an episode! Let’s go draw good movement!