Resolving Interpersonal Conflict

Student’s NameProfessor’s Name
Course Number
Date
Resolving Interpersonal Conflict
I learned that as human beings we all experience interpersonal conflict with other people around us. The ability to master the skill of solving such conflicts is critical in developing a lasting relationship with our family, friends, and workmates. Furthermore, we reduce the amount of stress in our lives and focus on productive activities. The approach to addressing conflict immediately it arises usually prevents cases of people taking sides or being entrenched and have extreme negative emotions. The first step to resolve interpersonal conflict is to approach the other party involved respectfully. Jacobs (515) states that being respectful will depend on how one looks at the other person, the words and tone that they use and how they present their arguments. The second step to resolve interpersonal conflict is to listen to the other party until we can experience how they feel. Christensen et al. (249) advice that before one speaks for themselves during a conflict, they should first be able to outline the emotions and ideas of the previous speaker until the speaker is satisfied. It is then mandatory that one listen carefully and keenly. Thirdly, both parties have to have rounds where they state their suggestions, their needs, emotions, and views. During this step, I learned that one has to be brief, avoid using loaded words, express themselves honestly and openly and show precisely how the cause of conflict made them feel.

The above three steps are the most straightforward and effective methods one can solve a conflict, and I happened to have applied them when I had disagreed with my friend over the best time we could have our group discussion. He had insisted on having it between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. While I wanted it to be from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. since I had few personal errands to run during the evening. I managed to understand that he preferred to have it the evening before 7 p.m. so that he can head home and prepare supper for his brothers. I managed to explain that I had errands to run too, however. One of his ideas was for me to complete my activities by 6 p.m. as he purchases everything ready so that he can start cooking at 8 pm when we ended the discussion. We both agreed on the idea, and it has worked flawlessly for two months.

Works Cited
Christensen, Andrew, Brian D. Doss, and Neil S. Jacobson. Reconcilable Differences: Rebuild Your Relationship by Rediscovering the Partner You Love–without Losing Yourself. Guilford Publications, (2014): 249.
Jacobs, Karen, and Guy L. McCormack, eds. The occupational therapy manager. Bethesda, MD: AOTA Press, (2011): 515.