If a client has a fear of conflict, what should the advisor do?

When a client has a fear of conflict, the most effective approach for the advisor is to help them walk toward resolving it. This involves encouraging open communication and guiding them to address the underlying issues, rather than sidestepping or suppressing the conflict. By helping the client confront their fears and engage with the conflict in a constructive way, the advisor fosters personal growth and equips the client with strategies to manage future conflicts effectively.

This approach leads to better decision-making and enhances the client’s confidence in handling challenging situations. It also fosters healthier relationships, as unresolved conflicts can lead to increased tension and misunderstandings. By resolving conflicts, the client can move forward more positively and with a clearer focus on their goals.

Other approaches, such as helping the client avoid conflicts, encouraging them to ignore them, or suggesting delegation, can have detrimental effects. Avoidance or ignorance may lead to unresolved issues that accumulate over time, potentially escalating into larger problems. Delegating might remove the client from the situation, but it does not address their fear and could leave them feeling disconnected or overwhelmed when similar situations arise in the future. Thus, actively working toward conflict resolution is the most beneficial strategy.