Own Approach to Handling Conflict - Essay Example

? Own Approach in Handling Conflict Grade (14th, Jan. Own Approach in Handling Conflict Handling conflict is one of the most complicated issues, considering that different people have different ways of addressing problems they face. While a single approach may not be appropriate or relevant for some situations, it is prudent that an individual adopts a method of handling conflicts that may guide him/her on how to resolve confronting situations. Confidence is one of the fundamentals of conflict resolution, since it leads to sobriety and composure. Confidence is one of the key principles that guide my conflict handling approach. I always try my best to exude high level of confidence in dealing with conflicting issues. The major step towards having confidence is to evaluate the situation at hand, approach it with calmness and composure and have an open-minded approach (Kellett, 2007). While handling a conflict, I always fight the negative overtones to ensure that I do not appear fearful or panicky, while getting ready to compromise in the event it is necessary to do so that to achieve the conflict resolution. Therefore, one of the main strengths in handling conflicts is trying to control emotions and display confidence, which serves to show the other party that one is able to resolve the issues at hand, otherwise one may send out a message of weakness in a conflict situation (Dana, 2001). Another of my strength that works well in handling conflicts is open-mindedness, which allows me to approach a conflicting situation aware that there are different ways of bring the conflict to a resolution, and thus prepare for any of the ways. open-mindedness is a crucial approach towards resolving a conflict, since it opens various avenues through which individuals can handle the conflict, as opposed to rigidity, which makes individuals to approach a situation with only one expectation, an aspect that makes conflict resolution even harder, and may even accelerate the conflict, since rigid individuals do not leave any chance of compromise and negotiation (Lansford, 2008). Another of my strength in conflict resolution is the fact that I am considerate. This is an important character in conflict resolution, since it allows me to put into consideration all the issues that the other parties to the conflict are raising, and effectively come up with an agreement that is favorable to all the parties. Nevertheless, there are several areas that I need to enhance, to become well equipped for conflict handling. One such area is tolerance. I have very little tolerance for arrogance, something that can make me react without sufficient consideration. This ends-up creating even more problems. Therefore, tolerance to arrogance is one of the areas that I require to enhance, so that I can react calmly to people who are arrogant, since calmness and tolerance are major milestones towards conflict resolution (Tidwell, 2001). Another area that I need to enhance is patience. Whenever a conflict arises, I have the tendency of seeking for an instant solution, other than giving the whole situation time, and reverting to address it later. This has always made conflict resolution an onerous task for me, since being haste means that the people involved in a conflict will handle it out of their emotional imbalance, thus may not easily come to an amicable solution. While individuals take time to cool off and then handle a conflict, there are higher chances of getting to an agreement, since both parties are calm, sober and willing to listen, as opposed to where individuals are handling conflict with feelings of anger, resentment and emotional instability (Wandberg, 2001). There is a great need of taking personal responsibility for ones feelings (Kellett, 2007). This is because, taking responsibility means that an individual is in a good position to control their feelings, while also reasoning and considering other parties’ points of view (Lansford, 2008). This makes it easy to reach an agreement and bring the conflict to a successful resolution. This realization has helped me understand that there is a set of behaviors or skills that I need to enhance, to improve my conflict handling approach. First, I need to develop different approaches to conflict, through developing skills that enable me to differentiate the conflict situation that calls for confronting and the one calling for avoidance. This is essential because, while certain conflicts can be fully addressed by confronting the situation, others call for humbleness and avoidance (Wandberg, 2001). Additionally, I need to increase the perspective-taking skills, which would enable me to become more considerate, while at the same time enhancing my ability to understand different perspectives of the other parties involved in a conflict. I also need to develop the motive recognition skills, which will enable me understand what the motive of the other parties in a conflict are, and thus be able to steer the conflict resolution process towards that direction. With a full understanding of the motives of the other parties involved in a conflict, it becomes easy to forge an agreement, since the individuals will work towards either avoiding the motive or realizing it, depending on whether it is a noble motive (Kellett, 2007). I also need to improve on my anger management skills, as well as work on my verbal aggressiveness, which would go a long way in enhancing friendliness and compassion, some of the essential elements of enhancing speedy and collaborative settlement of a conflict. I also need to adopt an empathetic behavior, which will allow me empathize with others, and, thus, understand their needs better within the context of the conflict resolution process (Tidwell, 2001). To achieve these enhancements, I will effect change in these areas through first listening carefully before I respond, taking time to cool down before I engage in any conflict, and thinking carefully before I speak. Secondly, I will start looking for something positive in any individual and coworker, an aspect that would allow for clear understanding, empathizing and thus appreciating the individuals (Dana, 2001). Additionally, I will avoid confronting a situation or behavior that I do not understand fully in order to avoid making mistakes, which make consensus hard to achieve. Above all, I want to cultivate the virtue of compassion for others, which is an essential concept in conflict resolution, since it allows individuals to stay away from subjective and irrational criticism of others. References Dana, D. (2001). Conflict resolution: Mediation tools for everyday work life. New York: McGraw-Hill. Kellett, M. (2007). Conflict dialogue. London: Sage Publications. Lansford, T. (2008). Conflict resolution. Detroit: Greenhaven Press. Tidwell, A. C. (2001). Conflict resolved? A critical assessment of conflict resolution. London: Continuum. Wandberg, R. (2001). Conflict resolution: Communication, cooperation, compromise. Mankato, Minn: LifeMatters. Read More