Conflict resolution and assertiveness - Essay Example

This essay functions to consider the conflict resolution aspects in terms of the theoretical approach referred to as non-violent communication, exploring the various ways and situations such an approach to interpersonal communication can be implemented. While non-violent communication is a broad category that can be implemented in a variety of contexts and ways, one of the central aspects of this approach is the central importance of treating other humans in a humane way, even during trying situations.

One of the important aspects of achieving this mode of communication is through the conscious responding to answers, rather than basing our responses on instinctual and oftentimes angry replies (Rosenberg). In these regards, one of the major problems in conflict resolution is the challenge individuals face when interacting with others through their first level, genuine emotions. It’s in this stage of response that people experience anger and frustration that escalates the confrontation to levels that prevent it from being resolved in an effective way.

Non-violent communication works to prevent these unproductive means of interpersonal relations. In terms of my own personal life I recognize there are many instances when I have fallen prey to means of communication that go directly against these theoretical approaches to interaction. As a means of implementing non-violent communication in my daily life I recognize there are a lot of specific means. While work situations are perhaps most central to these modes of conflict resolution, it’s also clear that I can implement them in my daily life to help improve my interpersonal communication.

One such aspect of this implementation occurs when interacting with individuals over the phone. Oftentimes when dealing with companies over phone bills or similar aspects of sales, it’s clear that anger oftentimes surfaces over company policies, or similar things that are not directly related to the operator with whom I am conversing. In past circumstances, I oftentimes would resort to becoming angry and arguing with the operators in a heated way, non-violent communication offers a different approach to the situation.

Using this type of communication strategy, it’s necessary to consciously step outside of my emotions and consider ways that I can respond to the individuals in a constructive way that doesn’t involve anger or heated-exchanges. Instead, non-violent communication indicates that I should take a second to step back from the situation and consider it in more conscious depth. For instance, instead of directing my anger at the individual on the phone, I should step back and consider that they are merely an aspect of the organization and that the policies that are causing issues are not their personal fault but indicative of the organization.

When consciously considering these aspects of communication it becomes clear directing anger at the individual operator makes very little sense and is counter-productive. When this is understood, it becomes clear that the communication can stay within the confines of a particular mode of relations that are conducive to both parties involved. While such means of implementing non-violent communication practices constitute a general approach to the conflict resolutio