Monday, February 9, 2009

Resolving Conflicts

A conflict is described as an incompatibility of goals and values between two or more parties in a relationship, resulting in the other trying to control the other party or holding a grudge. Many times these conflicts end up being forgotten and are caused by petty disagreements in someone's relationship. Other times these disagreements are too severe to be forgotten. If that ever occurs, the collaboration method to resolving the disagreement is available.

In this method, the parties butting heads are expected to come together and discuss. By discussing, they are letting the other side know about their abilities, values, and expertise. Therefore, what each party is aiming for is made extremely clear. This method maximizes both sides' goals. Most of you may recognize this method of resolving conflicts as the win/win approach. When using this method, it must be remembered by both parties that they are not fighting a war against each other; they are just trying to fin the best way to resolve their differences.
Just remember, it's...
WE (BOTH PARTIES) vs. THE PROBLEM
NOT
YOU (ONE PARTY) vs. THEM (the other party)

When using this method, these steps need to occur...

1. Two parties come together.

2. They discuss and state their goals.

3. Define and analyze the problem.

4. Brainstorm alternate solutions that emphasize well-being of both parties.

I think this method of conflict resoltuion could be effective when the two groups are willing to sit down and discuss what their problem is. They also have to be able to work towards a common solution that benefits both sides. Sometimes it may be helpful to have a person in the middle who isn't involved in the problem, a third-party observer. This intermediate person cannot be the best friend of one party because then they may take sides. But for some conflicts, I feel there may be no solutions that excentuate a solution beneficial to both sides. For example, if a child disobeys a rule enforced by their parents, they may believe that they did othing wrong and attempt to lessen the punishment. But for situations like this, the child and parents cannot come together and discuss a solution that benefits both sides. Otherwise, the punishment would not be a punishment, and the child will start to believe they can get away with something similar to their disobedient act again. For many situations, I think it is the best idea to satisfy the wishes of both sides and make the situation a win/win solution.

12 comments:

  1. I agree with this approach to conflict resolution. It is more important to work together to overcome the conflict than to argue with the other person, trying to come out as the "winner." The best solution is to solve the problem in a way that benefits all parties involved.

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  2. i think that this is a good way to resolve a cnflict. i agree with you when you say a good way to "win" an arguement is to make sure that both parties are happy. then if they both win they might see the error of their way and not do it again than if they always when.

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  3. I think this is a great method to conflict resolution! I think it shows maturity because each party must discuss the issue. They must work together to come to an agreement so each of them will be satisfied with the decision. In the end, each party will usually get what they want, or partially get what they want. Plus, they are working together to solve the problem instead of belittling each other.

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  4. I like this method because it is simple and satisfies both sides. I really like the stress that is put on the two parties against the problem, rather than one party against the other. Both parties concentrating on overcoming the same problem allows the parties to work together, creating a more peaceful discussion. I agree with Erica in having a mediator that will not side with either party. This helps things go more smoothly by preventing further argument.

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  5. I agree with devin when he said that it is not as important to come out as the "winner". Also nick made a great point when he summarized and said it was both simple and satisfies both sides. Great blog! I thought it was a very effective model because it does not seem to take to long to reach a conclusion. Good work!

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  6. I like this method, but I wish it were a little more specific about the steps. Rather than just "two parties come together" maybe it could be broken down into more steps. That's just what I thought. However, good job on your blog! I like how in the beginning, you mentioned that people tend to disregard and forget about conflicts, which can ruin a relationship. This is something I can admit to doing in the past, but now I realize that it is a really bad idea to leave a conflict without closure.

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  7. thats a really good way to resolve a problem. Instead of one person trying to prove that they are right, both can be right. it seems like a good way to solve a problem and then sense you are both agreeing it will be very easy to put behind you. thanks Erica

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  8. I like these steps because you really have to talk to the other person involved and work out your problems no matter what. It is an excellent way of solving your problems. Good job :)

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  9. Along with everyone else, I really enjoy the outcome of these steps. Some people do not put enough effort into their solutions. Also, some people are too shy to let the other person know whether or not they care for the end result. I believe it is very important to speak up and tell the others what would make you happy. If you do not speak up, you may end up having an even bigger problem then before. I also agree with the majority of you in saying that the key factor in resolving conflicts is making sure it ends in a compromise. For example, although you may not like some of the factors of the outcome, keep in mind that the other person may be feeling the same way. Plus, if there was a way to have a perfect outcome, there probably would not even be a problem in the first place!

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  10. they might sit down and discuss it or it might end up really really really ugly because not a lot a people like to talk about there problems especially when they hate that person

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  11. Magnificent work Erica, if I do say so. Haha. I agree with Nick Ingram that the title of the resolution method was very good. Rather than person vs. person, which would result in fighting and a difficult means of compromising, the title is both people vs. the problem. Having the people in the conflict working together to address the conflict and form a solution beneficial to both is obviously a better resolution method. I also agree that having a third party to help with the process is a great idea. They can come up with different solutions and will be a little less "flustered" than the two people in the conflict. Once again, good job.

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  12. Nice job Erica,
    I like this way of conflict resolution because right from the very start, both parties involved can focus on solving the problem instead of arguing against each other, and thus are already positively thinking of a method to attain the same goal. I also like the thought of an intermediate person who can take an objective approach to the problem and not be swayed by a personal bias. This can help, because sometimes this person can notice things that neither of you noticed.

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