Conflict ResolutionAnd communication

Communication

There are barriers to communication that can cause conflict Mixed messages Differences Stereotypes Prejudices

Mixed Messages

Relaying one message orally, but physically sending another message

Ex. Telling someone how much you like them while rolling your eyes and frowning

Ex. Your friend is crying, and when you ask them if they’re okay, they say yes, and force a smile

Mixed Messages are a barrier to good communication

Differences

It is easy to communicate with someone who is similar to you because you may already share the same opinions and beliefs

It is a challenge and a potential barrier when you are speaking with someone who has values, opinions and beliefs that are different than yours

If you are not aware that the person you’re speaking with has different opinions or values, it may become a barrier to communication

Stereotypes

A Stereotype is a fixed belief that all members of a group are the same

Stereotypes apply in many areas- what region you’re from, gender, age, ethnicity, physical traits, etc.

Can you think of some stereotypes you’ve encountered?

Prejudices

Prejudices are opinions that are formed without complete knowledge

Prejudices are NOT based on facts

Prejudices can be both positive and negative, but are more often NEGATIVE

Racism is an extreme from of prejudice

Positive Communication

Active listening is an important part of positive communication

Communication is a two way process- it requires a sender and a receiver

Active listening is an important skill in positive communication

Active Listening

Active listening is a practice that involves the listener in the communication process

Steps to active listening: Restate what the speaker says- feedback Send signals you are listening, like nodding your

head Ask questions to clarify Listen before answering Do not interrupt

Conflict

Poor communication is often the reason that family or friends get into disagreements, or conflict

CONFLICT- disagreements or problems in relationships

No relationship is conflict free

Tips for Resolving Conflict

Voice your concerns

Decide what the problem is- use only FACTS

Listen to the other side

Suggest all possible solutions

Find the right time to solve conflicts

Resolution Styles

Avoidance

Problem Solving

Compromise

Accommodating to Requirements

Separation

Avoidance

“Burying your head in the sand”

Ignoring the conflict completely

No resolution can be found since you are avoiding one important step of conflict resolution- voicing your concerns

Problem Solving

Both parties brainstorm ideas on how to solve the problem

The problem must be identified and both parties must be willing to offer up ideas for a solution

Compromise

Both parties acknowledge the conflict and work towards a common goal for resolution

Both parties must “meet in the middle” and sacrifice some to come to a compromise

Accommodating to Requirements

One party completely gives in to appease the other

The conflict itself is not resolved, but one party essentially surrenders to the other’s terms

Separation

When no other form of resolution can be found, and the conflict has escalated to a point of danger or unhealthiness, a separation of parties is the last resort

Separation can be a healthy choice when a last resort is needed.

Final Thoughts

Communication is necessary in all relationships

When communication is not successful, it can result in conflict

Conflict occurs in all relationships but it is important to resolve in a healthy manner