Interpersonal Conflict is commonly defined as “the interaction of independent people who perceive incompatible goals and interference from each other in achieving these goals” In Interpersonal Conflict and Effective Communication, it gives different ways as to how individuals can avoid heated conflicts and promote better ways on how to find solutions for conflicts. Although it is impossible to stay away from conflict or always get involved with it, the article does claim that running into a few conflicts can be healthy for a relationship.
Different styles for facing conflict:
1. Avoiding or denying conflict is common with every individual. The conflict lingers in the background during interaction between the participants and creates the potential for further tension and even more conflict.
2. A second response style is that of one person getting mad and blaming the other person. This occurs when a person mistakenly equates conflict with anger.
3. A third way which some people use to resolve conflict is by using power and influence to win at the other's expense.
These different styles are negative because they shy away from getting things resolved or creating hostility.
As noted in the article, the healthier ways of facing conflict are:
- Both parties must view their conflict as a problem to be solved mutually so that both parties have the feeling of winning - or at least finding a solution which is acceptable to both. Each person must participate actively in the resolution and make an effort and commitment to find answers which are as fair as possible to both. It is healthier if both parties can remain open, honest, assertive and respectful of the other position. Mutual trust and respect, as well as a positive, constructive attitude, are fundamental necessities in relationships that matter.
- To prevent conflict from happening in the first place, it is important to identify the ways in which we contribute to the disagreement.
In order for people to reduce conflict, there are certain ways to resolve things. First find truth in the other person’s point of view. We must acknowledge the fact that people are not all alike and take this into consideration. Second, we must see things from someone else’s view. If we put ourselves in someone else’s shoe we will gain a better understanding as to how people think. Third, use I statements so that the other individual sees how you feel. Lastly, try to stay positive and ask questions.
When we consider all these factors our relationships with others will be more balanced.
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