Most people think of conflict negatively with the fear of losing relationships, and saving their own face. Most people also do not realize that not just communication but they also need to change their attitude, beliefs and emotional reactions to face conflict positively. I think as people increase their knowledge about conflict they will definitely fear it less because then they realize that conflict is here to stay, and we have to change our self in thinking about conflict positively to prevent from draining with stress, tension and anxiety that comes with conflict. Most people are unaware about the fact that keeping ourselves calm and composed is the first step towards resolving conflict. Secondly methods like STLC give a clear picture of ideas about the conflicting issue from both sides and analyze the situation fairly. Lastly conflict needs to be resolved with focus on the issue where the difference of opinion arises over concentrating on personal differences. I am pretty sure that not everyone can link conflict and creativity together, which leads in drawing multiple opportunities from conflict and resolve it with mutually satisfying solution. I am one such person, who always thought of conflict negatively because I associated the mental trauma and tension that comes along with conflict. However, conflict management class gave me a positive outlook about conflict and taught me that we can learn to resolve conflict creatively by thinking “out of the box.”
I think you're right in that once people are aware of the way in which they are dealing with conflict in the wrong way they will be able to adapt better conflict management methods, such as STLC, and more effectively address the issues that are at hand. You mentioned that people are afraid of losing relationships, but if they are able to address each other in a more productive manner, then the likelihood of losing a friend will be significantly decreased because they would have handled it more tactfully and gracefully, too.
ReplyDeleteI, too, viewed conflict negatively because of the “mental trauma and tension that comes along with conflict.” After taking this course, I can’t say I’m looking forward to conflict, but at least I’m better equipped to deal more effectively with it. It does help to know that conflict is a part of life and actually can help us grow personally and improve interpersonal relationships. I’ve found that improving as a person doesn’t happen painlessly; I have to put a lot of effort into it. So I do intend to take the conflict resolution skills we’ve learned in this class and put them into action, as painful as this may be at times. It will feel awkward doing some of the things that were suggested in the book such as “I-statements;” however, hopefully with practice they will feel more natural.
ReplyDeleteThis class was interesting and definitely worthwhile.