Conflict Resolution - Personal Statement Example

Conflict resolution affiliation Part I Who was involved? This argument was between my father and I. In this case, the definition of conflict comes into play since the relationship between my father and I is mandatory. This brings up the chance of differentiating activities, timing and objectives. What is your connection with the other person? Which one of you has more power? How much do one trust the other person? How are power and trust levels affecting the conflict? I have enormous respect for my father and therefore, when we discuss matters he has more power. Since he is older than me, and is my father, it is difficult for me to advise him on what to apply especially on what he eats. In this case, the trust between us is mutual and of great heights. Being powerful in this relationship, my father sets the rules which if broken cause conflicts between us. This is relationship conflict where power is a great cause. My father demands a great level of respect from me while I need to feel respected as his subordinate. Where did the conflict occur? Do you think the location made a difference in how the conflict played out? Why? The conflict occurred at my parents’ house over the weekend. The location of the conflict did have a difference with how the conflict played out because we both felt more at ease at home and were able to express ourselves. The location was also providing mutual comfort to me and my father to express ourselves. When one party has the feeling of being uncomfortable in the location of conflict resolution, the management of the conflict may not be conclusive. Part II What is the topic/issue of the conflict? Was it tangible or intangible? The topic of the conflict was about my father’s health and how he should start eating more healthy food and start going on walks especially because I have a 10 year old brother who like my father, does not eat healthy. The conflict was intangible. An intangible conflict can also be referred to as verbal conflict and involves no physical involvement in the conflict. In most cases it is in the form of arguments (Wandberg, 2005). Intangible conflicts occur mostly through harsh exchange of words between two conflicting parties. Since my father could not eat healthy, asking him about it could only bring up an argument. The conflict was also triggered by power on his side since I could only challenge him through an intangible conflict. What did you want to happen as a consequence of this conflict? As a result of the conflict, I wanted for my dad and mom to realize that their actions and their eating habits have a great influence on my younger brother. I also wanted them take care of themselves by going out on walks and eating less fatty food. This is an implication that he will be willing to apply the results from the confrontation. After the conflict, I wanted my father to realize that the whole point of the conflict was to help him. Who else (besides you and the person[s] involved) has a stake in the way this conflict is resolved? Besides my father and I, the other people who have a say in this, are his grandchildren and the rest of the family who love him and want to see him live a long time. If he does not take care of himself, it is possible that he may die before his time. With the whole family being involved in the conflict, it has a great effect on my father. According to my research, in a conflict where a person is against a greater number of people, one stands a high probability of agreeing to have a resolution.      Do both you and the other person see the conflict the same way? If not, how would the other person describe the conflict? I do not think we both see the conflict the same way because I see the conflict, as me trying to help my father and my father sees the conflict as me trying to dictate to him on what to do with his life. For a conflict to occur there must be the difference in opinion. My father and I have different opinions on the way he leads his life. Since his life is part of mine, I am inclined to also have an opinion which differs with his. In most cases, the person with greater power term conflicts as being disrespectful.       Description of the conflict process—what did it look like from beginning to end? Describe the different messages each of you used (including nonverbal messages like the silent treatment, etc.) Prelude: What led up to the conflict? The prelude to the argument is that one of my uncles just died of a heart attack, because he was overweight and did not take care of himself. For months, I have been asking my father to stop eating during late hours of the night as it may affect his health. Additionally, I have been telling him to go for walks every once in a while. At this position, there was no need for conflict since there was time for change. For a conflict to occur there must be a disappointment on one party which had not happened yet.       Triggering Event: What actually started the conflict? The conflict started when my dad told me that, his doctor told him that he might have diabetes. At this point, one party had been proven correct while the other party was proven wrong. Being proven correct, I felt like it was my obligation to try and justify the recommendations that I had given my father about his health.       Initiation: How did one of you first talk about the conflict? I told him, ‘you see dad I have been telling you, that you have to take healthier care of yourself but you do not listen’. This was the beginning of the intangible expressions of conflict.       Differentiation: What kinds of things were said as you were exploring the aspects of the conflict? During conflict, one should expect both the good and the ugly. It is an obvious case that my father tried to justify his health problem, but to my contradiction of my thoughts and feelings. Management/Resolution: How did the conflict end? Did you come to any kind of agreement? At the end, of the conflict we came up with measures that my father could do to lower his cholesterol and we drafted a plan for him to go out and walk at least 30min every other day with my little brother and for them not to eat heavy meals after 9pm. Conflict resolution starts when both parties agree to work jointly and come up with a solution. Being the affected one, I had to come up with solutions that would help my father lead a healthier life. Being a part of the conflict management, my father had the chance to state his ability on the resolutions reached. There was a mutual understanding and the conflict ended on a positive note.       Did you behave in the way you wanted during the conflict? Did you do or say anything you regret? I did behave the way I did as I was really engaged in the topic and could not stop but care for my father. I do not believe I said anything wrong to regret about although, I was a bit forceful. During conflict, an individual tends to be carried away by anger unknowingly. Before a conflict confrontation takes place, the mode of behavior towards the other party is important depending on the status of the other person. In this case, the other party was my father and my behavior did not undermine his position in the family.       What kind of person will you be if you get your way in the conflict? What kind of relationship will you have with the other person if you get your way in the conflict? Do you want those results? I suppose it would make me happier if my father does lose weight and improve his health. I think that the relationship will improve because that will show my dad that I really care for him once he gets healthy and feels a lot better. He will also realize that my argument was right and appreciate it. After a successful conflict resolution, there is mutual respect and trust. The relationship will greatly improve since I helped my father embrace what was best for his life.       What emotions did you experience? Why? During the conflict, I experienced several emotions but, the one that I felt most was passion for what I was talking about as I really care about my father. During conflicts, many emotions towards the other party are revealed. Emotions are mostly driven by the relationship one has with the other party, the cause of the argument and the reason behind the conflict (Dana, 2001). In this case, the conflict was between father and son over personal issues. The emotions involved are mostly the feeling love, compassion and passion. Helping someone important as your father expresses the emotion of love and care. Part III—Indicate the best answer How often has this issue come up in the past? Rarely How likely is this conflict to recur? Very Likely Intensity of disagreement; Low Degree of resolution; Resolved References Dana, D. (2001).Conflict resolution: mediation tools for everyday work life. New York: McGraw-Hill Professional. Wandberg, R. (2005). Conflict Resolution: Communication, Cooperation, Compromise.London: Capstone Press. Read More