Conflict Management
Purpose
Conflict can have both positive and negative consequences. When conflict is not managed properly, it can be destructive and ruin relationships by creating some dissenting feelings. Unmanaged conflict can create feelings of opposition not only in the people directly experiencing the conflict, but also in people observing - or even hearing about - the conflict. However, when conflict is properly managed, it can be healthy. Learning to manage conflict is a necessary skill for all aspects of life.
There is not one single method for handling conflict. Each situation may call for a different method to manage it. Combining conflict management techniques, with good communication skills, facilitates effective conflict management.
In this tutorial, you will learn some reasons for conflict, why you should be concerned with managing disputes, and five conflict-handling modes. These skills will help you to manage and understand conflict in your everyday life, with friends and family, and with situations that may arise during school and/or work.
Goals and Objectives
Upon completion of this tutorial, you will be able to:
- list the reasons for conflict as demonstrated by personal reflections on possible sources of conflicts.
- demonstrate the importance of managing conflict by personally interpreting examples of conflict.
- distinguish the five modes of handling conflict by correctly identifying the conflict handling mode uses in a series of three scenarios.
Activities
To complete this tutorial, first, read the material on conflict management and the student conversation about handling conflict. As you read, think about how you handle conflict, and complete the activities.
- Recognizing and Managing Conflict
- Reasons for Conflict
- Activity 1: Recognizing Conflict
- Conflict-Handling Modes
- Activity 2: Identifying Conflict-Handling Modes
- Conflict Resolution Tips
- Putting It All Together
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