Nonviolent Communication and Conflict Management

I have learned strategies that might help me manage or resolve conflict more productively.  The first would be to empathetically listen to the requests of others when they honestly express their needs.  This method helps clarify what the disagreement or conflict is about and can lead to a better understanding of every ones feelings.  I think whenever you can put yourself in the same state of mind or emotion of another person you can more easily see things from their point of view which can ultimately assist in the better management of conflicts.  The second strategy would be to have more responsive interactions.  I feel that what people want most is to be heard and by responding that assures them that you were listening.  There is a better chance of managing, resolving, and even avoiding conflict if it is discussed in a responsive manner where everyone has the opportunity to express and listen.  

These strategies are effective because they can both lead to solutions or a compromise where everyone’s views were considered.  The potential for tensions to rise and conflict to escalate might have been great but everyone can feel accomplished in the fact that it did not get to that level.  Also, everyone could feel like they were effective communicators by using appropriate skills.  I feel that there is a lot to learn about others and ourselves in these types of situations