Question

Julia Wood (2016) said that the first 3 minutes of a conflict are very important, therefore, unless you set the proper climate, very little will be accomplished. Once a conflict arises, there are steps you can take to ensure a communication climate that is conducive to a satisfying outcome. Outline the steps you would take to ensure a mutually satisfying outcome in a conflict in (a) a personal relationship situation and (b) in a professional relationship situation.

Answer 1

A conflict is ought to surface in any relationship. No two individuals are the same and thus, may hold different opinions which leads to disagreements and eventually a conflict. It is indeed a task to have a mutually satisfying outcome in a conflict. However, it is not impossible and the following steps can help achieve mutually satisfying outcome in a personal relationship.

• A conflict arises because two people do not agree on the same thing. So, the first step is to not prove a point to each other but instead try to understand the point.
• Two people must then calm down and take turns to explain themselves about why they hold a different opinion.
• Once the rationale behind the opinion is understood, it is easier to communicate.
• Having understood an opinion does not mean that the other would budge and agree, but both the parties could come to a mutual understanding and at a mid point.
• This would make a person feel that their point has been understood, and also not feel like their opinion has been rubished and coming to a mid point would ensure mutually satisfying outcome.

Resolving a conflict in a professional relationship is not as simple as it in a personal relationship. In a personal relationship, two people at some point care and love each other. It involves emotions unlike in a professional relationship. However, the following steps can ensure mutually satisfying outcomes in a professional relationship:

• Assuming a conflict arose, both the parties must communicate and set their expectations right.
• Both the parties have to straight away lay down to what extent they agree.
• Once that is figured, a mid way has to be found.
• Professional relationships have other aspects attached to it, like job security and other things.
• However, if one has to budge ad agree to resolve the conflict, then the outcome is not satisfying. But yes, the conflict is resolved.

Professional conflicts are harder to resolve in comparison to conflicts in personal relationship.