---
title: "4 Ways to Avoid Communication Shipwrecks"
url: https://burnaze.com/article/e5e3658e-3b57-41cc-842d-8179fd4aec7f
source: "Franchising.com"
original_url: https://www.franchising.com/articles/4_ways_to_avoid_communication_shipwrecks.html
author: "Kendall Rawls"
category: "General"
published: 2023-01-09T10:30:00.000Z
modified: 2026-10-31T20:33:30.552Z
image: https://imgs.franchising.com/art/articles/7285_plate.jpg
---

# 4 Ways to Avoid Communication Shipwrecks

**TL;DR:** Conflict can arise in various aspects of life and can be avoided through effective communication and conflict resolution strategies. Kendall Rawls, a second-generation family member employee of The Rawls Group, shares tips on how to address and resolve conflict.

*By Kendall Rawls, originally published in Franchising.com on 2023-01-09. [Read the original](https://www.franchising.com/articles/4_ways_to_avoid_communication_shipwrecks.html).*

## Story

Conflict is an all-too-familiar part of the multi-unit franchisee’s experience. This past year we've seen the consequences of conflict both locally and globally, with ongoing tensions in the Middle East, political unrest in various countries, and disputes between world leaders. But conflict can also arise closer to home, such as between family members, business partners, or even between nations.

The recent holiday season may have left many feeling “over-familied” after spending extended down time with family, especially if you work with your spouse, parents, or siblings. Tension, frustrating moments, and lack of patience generally arise when there are mismatched expectations within a relationship. Miscommunications can lead to what we often refer to as communication shipwrecks.

It's important to remember that conflict is a natural occurrence in human interactions and when managed carefully can be an asset to relationships. And while isolated instances of disagreements may not always be fatal, they can still damage trust and relationships. So what can multi-unit franchisee owners and leaders do to address and resolve conflict?

Here are a few tips: **Develop a system for addressing and resolving conflict:** Create a system of communication and dispute resolution that both parties can agree to. This could include establishing ground rules and a timeline for how and when disputes should be addressed. **Get help when needed:** If you’re having difficulty resolving a conflict on your own, don’t be afraid to seek outside help.

This could mean enlisting the services of a mediator or arbitrator or enlisting the help of a mental health professional. **Take time to reflect:** Taking time away from a conflict can provide the space needed to reflect, regroup, and come back to the situation with a fresh perspective. **Don’t forget to listen:** Conflict resolution involves not only talking, but also listening.

Take time to really listen to what the other person is saying and to understand their point of view. Conflict isn’t always a bad thing, but it can have far-reaching consequences if not addressed properly. As a family business owner, it’s important to recognize the signs of conflict and take proactive steps to resolve it in a way that respects all parties involved.

***Kendall Rawls** knows and understands the challenges that impact the success of a family-owned business. Her unique perspective comes not only from their educational background; but, more importantly, from her experience as a second-generation family member employee of The Rawls Group - Business Succession Planners. For more information, visit www.

## Entities

- Franchising.com (publication)
- General (sector)
- family business (topic)
- Multi-Unit Franchisee (person)
- multi-unit franchisee (topic)
- The Rawls Group (company)
- Kendall Rawls (person)
- conflict resolution (topic)
- communication strategies (topic)

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Originally reported by Kendall Rawls, Franchising.com (https://www.franchising.com/articles/4_ways_to_avoid_communication_shipwrecks.html). Summarized by Burnaze (https://burnaze.com/article/e5e3658e-3b57-41cc-842d-8179fd4aec7f).