Effective Communication in Conflict Resolution

Name

Institution

For several days I was so upset, hardly could I take lunch. I complained to my coworker, John, about the about Lucy, who regularly uploaded daily sales figures late. I was fed up with the way she dealt with her job. I could no longer keep this to myself since I forced to delay compilation of financial reports. John later advised me to talk to Lucy first before forwarding the matter to the management. Neither had I complained to the management nor Lucy. I found sense in John’s advice, and I decided to manage the conflict on myself by acknowledging it and taking the correct action. I saw it was better rather facing Lucy directly, using assertive communication, than to revolve around unproductively. I decide to speak and listen to her. Little did I know that the conversation would bear fruits, and even opportunity to make a new friend (Holmes, n.d).

It is difficult to escape from conflict; hence, effective communication skills are better mechanism to resolve conflicts than hostility, heated confrontation or blaming approach. Communication I had with Lucy provided an opportunity to share assumptions, convey opinions, and inquire into personal approach of thinking we had. The communication further enhanced understanding between us, and eliminated the peril of jumping in to the conclusion (MCC, 2004).

For me to achieve this positive resolution, I had to incorporate several mechanisms as follows. Throughout the conversation, I actively listen through ignoring my own feelings momentarily, being open and trying to comprehend what Lucy was saying. I also kept a soft tone together with avoiding hostile body language like arm crossing in front of my body. I talked to her with “I messages” instead of “You messages” to convey how I was thinking about the condition what expect from her. I first made an appointment with her, where chose a day that we would have an ample time for a private talk (MCC, 2004).

In summary, conflict is unavoidable, especially in workplaces and it is well solved by good communication skills, such as soft tone, and proper timing and body language. Therefore, firms should their staff on how to resolve conflict, and this can help the staff to perform best.

Reference

Holmes, S. (n.d). Types of Conflict in The Workplace. Retrieved from http://www.thecorporatetoolbox.com/system/media_files/files/34/original_Types_of_Conflict_In_The_Workplace_by_Shelley_Holmes.pdf.

Mayland Community College, MCC. (2004). Resolving Conflicts through Communication. Retrieved from http://www.mayland.edu/aca111/ConflictModule.pdf