Conflicts are a part of our everyday lives, and you’re likely to face some as your project progresses. Before diving into how to handle conflicts with others, it’s crucial to understand your own reactions and learn the basics of how people behave when confronted.
What is Conflict?
Watch the video and take notes on the conflict style that best matches your behavior.
What are the strengths of this style?
What should you be cautious about with this style?
Which conflict style feels the most unfamiliar to you?
Review the key points on communication and conflict resolution. Then, play the matching game with the examples provided.
Practice
Watch the conflict example. Then, write down answers to the following questions.
First viewing: Write down all the facts you hear, paraphrasing where necessary.
Second viewing: Clarify the values or issues being discussed.
Third viewing: Focus on the feelings involved and summarize the emotions you think played a role in the conflict.
Final viewing: Pay attention only to the body language.
Now, create a short story of the conflict based on the information you’ve observed. At the end of your story, include answers to these reflection questions:
Which was harder to listen for or observe—facts, values, feelings, or body language?
Why is it important to differentiate between statements of fact, feelings, and values, and to observe body language in a conflict?
Of the four aspects you analyzed (facts, values, feelings, body language), which one would you like to practice more to better understand the other person’s perspective?
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