Introduction
Every day life inevitably involves conflict; therefore, handling it well is crucial. The topic of conflict communication is introduced in Chapter 1 of Cahn and Abigail’s book, along with important terms and recommendations for handling disputes when they occur. This essay will connect two main ideas from the reading to a conflict scenario and offer suggestions on how I might handle it more effectively.
Insights from the Reading
Conflict Definition
One crucial idea that caught my attention is the description of the conflict. Cahn & Abigail (2013, p. 6) define conflict as “an expressed struggle between at least two interdependent parties who perceive incompatible goals, scarce resources, and interference from the other party in achieving their goals.” According to this definition, conflict entails not only a difference of opinion but also what is perceived as a hindrance to achieving one’s objectives. My ability to recognize conflicts and their potential causes will improve after I better understand this term.
Conflict Management vs. Resolution
The distinction between conflict management and conflict resolution struck me as another crucial idea. Conflict resolution is “a type of conflict management in which the goal is to eliminate the conflict” (Cahn & Abigail, 2013, p. 13). In contrast, conflict management refers to “the way we engage with conflicts that emerge in our lives” (Cahn & Abigail, 2013, p. 13). By recognizing that not all conflicts can or should be resolved entirely and that managing conflicts may require a range of techniques, I can approach conflicts in a more nuanced manner, informed by my understanding of this distinction.
Application of Conflict Management Recommendations
The authors offer various recommendations for improving conflict management, such as emphasizing the problem rather than the other party, expressing how the disagreement impacts you in “I” statements, and refraining from using accusatory or blaming language (Cahn & Abigail, 2013, pp. 20–21). I could have used these tips to better manage a recent disagreement with a buddy. I could have kept my attention on the present problem—our competing schedules—and used “I” sentences to communicate how his actions affected me rather than blaming my buddy for leaving me out of their plans. We might have reached a mutually beneficial solution by applying this method.
Conclusion
In conclusion, conflict is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that can be understood and managed more effectively through effective communication. Using the fundamental ideas and recommendations from Chapter 1 of Managing Conflict, I can better identify, manage, and resolve issues via communication.
Reference
Cahn, D. D., & Abigail, R. A. (2013). Managing conflict through communication. Pearson College Division.