Conflict Handling

Everyone encounters numerous conflict situations in the course of his work and in his social relationships. These conflicts can arise from diverse sources. For example, people who work in a given field often have varying interests, and communicational traps can often lead to conflict. These conflicts can either adversely affect relationships or they can be used to clear up a situation.

 

Sources of conflict may include a lack of agreement in determining objectives, a lack of agreement regarding the manner of reaching these objectives, and awkward situations stemming from a difference in individual values.

If we take a closer look at these conflict situations, we notice certain characteristics. To an outside observer, the conflict may appear to be a mere battle for prestige. Sometimes the two parties get emotionally fired up. Or, on the contrary, they give up the fight entirely out of their own self-interest.

We consider assertiveness to be the proper method for handling conflicts. But why?

Because the method of assertiveness is an effective approach which respects the objectives and imagination of the partner and grants the partner the opportunity to share his objections. With the help of this method, conflicts can be handled efficiently and quickly and a win-win relationship can be developed between the two parties. The assertive handling of conflicts is a crucial tool for guaranteeing a healthy atmosphere and an efficient workplace.

By the end of the program the participants will be familiar with:

• Their own typical communication style and that of their colleagues
• The importance and the method of having themselves accepted and accepting others
• The most significant patterns of conflict
• The nature and the mechanism of conflict
• The most common reasons for conflict

By the end of the program the participants will be able to:

• Discover the typical sources of conflict in their relationships
• Practice the behavior and the communication method of enforcing self-interest
• Handle challenging situations, and learn and practice how to deal with different conflict situations
• Take responsibility actively
• Reach a fair solution for each party involved
• Recognize those traps which can be starting-points for conflict
• Consciously choose the most appropriate behavior for a concrete situation
• Choose the appropriate conflict handling style in a concrete situation