Friday, September 7, 2012
Chapter 3, Discussion 3
I
find that the concept of developing a mutual understanding is very important
in conflict management and in finding a resolution. Communicating in a way that
legitimizes and recognizes the feelings of both parties is crucial to making
any relationship function properly. Feelings are not logical, they are purely
emotional, and therefor cannot be falsified by another person. It is important
to keep in mind that, “understanding the perspective of another person does not
necessarily mean agreeing. It means only that you make an effort to see the
problem as the other defines it, without deciding on the validity of the other
person’s perspective” (p. 59). This idea has been helpful in resolving
conflicts within my personal relationships, because it makes the argument or
disagreement seem more like an open conversation rather than an attack on the
other person. This has also helped me to understand the other person better,
and in turn, to make the relationship stronger. There are mutual benefits to
learning why you are not reaching an agreement with another person instead of
only focusing on the fact that you disagree. Finding the reasons behind the
difference in opinion and what’s causing your, and the other party’s, feelings
can help to discover new things about that person, as well as yourself.
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Hello HaleyA, Great job on your post and very good points on this topic of mutual understanding.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree that even though you may not agree to what the other person is saying but I feel that it’s important that you at least be understanding to the other persons point of view and listen to what they have to say. Which you said it doesn’t mean you’re agreeing to it. It shows that you are open to other opinions. When I was much younger I would always think that mutual understanding meant you have to both agree on the same thing. Bu I have learned through life experiences that that not the case. It help my relationships become stronger as well.
It’s not always easy to sit there and listen to that other person especially when you strongly disagree with what they are saying but its helps open you mind up to better understating the person.
Great job.