Chp. 16, Discussion 3

     I've learned so many things throughout this semester that it's difficult to name them all. For example, I have learned through the chapter 3 assignment that I am nonassertive in nature, and I’d rather avoid conflicts than confront them. Lately, though, I’ve been implementing the skills from this chapter to become more assertive and confident when approaching conflict situations. I have also found that developing a mutual understanding with the other party is important to resolve conflicts for the long-term solution, and getting more insight into the relationship and the other party. Another lesson that stands out is that of mediation. I learned the meaning of mediation, and special techniques used to be successful in a discussion between two feuding parties. For example, to get full disclosure of information from both parties, privately, to be ushered into the professionally facilitated discussion, is the caucus. I also learned more about defensiveness, and had the opportunity to reflect on my own behavior. One of the most important lessons that I was able to reflect upon, however, is that of trust and forgiveness. These are two important concepts that I have struggled greatly with throughout my life, and I hope to find ways to conquer them in my present and future.

Chp. 16, Discussion 2

I liked learning the new information from our textbook, and reflecting on it through discussion. I think this is a good way to make sure that we retain and understand the lessons, and it is an interesting process. I enjoyed reading other students’ opinions and stories because it gave me multiple perspectives on the topics that I had not previously considered. Also, it was a good way for us to connect as a class since we are based online and do not get to interact much to begin with. There weren’t many weaknesses that I could think of, but, if I had to pick one, I’d say that it would be putting a twelve-hour time limit between the posts. I understand that this is to make sure that we take the proper amount of time and consideration on the posts and that we don’t hog the discussion from other students, but it was difficult to make sure to follow the limit with other obligations and homework assignments. I would suggest making the time window a little bit shorter to keep the posts spaced apart, but easier to manage. I would definitely suggest this class to other students. The class was well organized and easy to follow. I have learned many valuable tools to manage conflict through this course, and I believe that everyone can benefit from this information.

Chp. 16, Discussion 1

I believe that people have negative views of conflict because they subconsciously define conflict as a fight or defensive situation. Conflict implies that two or more people are not getting along for whatever reason, and that there may be negative tension between the parties because of this. Some people see conflict as being violent or loud, but they do not realize that it could be calm and easier to resolve if one has the right tools to do so. I certainly think that if people knew more about conflict they would fear it less. I believe this because, as the book states, conflict presents “opportunities for personal and relationship growth in conflict situations” (pg. 288). Conflicts allow for us to learn about one another, and to create a more intimate relationship through our newly acquired knowledge of each other. It requires us to take responsibility for our own actions and be able to recognize a potential conflict before it erupts, and how to better resolve it if it does. People would fear it less if they knew that conflict, when handled properly, can be beneficial and crucial to the success of a relationship.