Communication and Conflict Resolution
We initiate, form, maintain, and end relationships via verbal and nonverbal communication.
Nonverbal Communication
Provides information about people's emotional states that are not communicated directly
Plays a part in regulating interactions-people show nonverbal signs of interest in getting to know another person
Defines differnt ways of physically interacting - Type of relationship (i.e. friend vs. coworker)
Involves:
Facial expression
Gazing behavior
Body language
Touch
Verbal Communication
Style of conversation-tentative vs. direct, talkative vs. taciturn, etc.
Instrumentality vs. expressivity-communicating with a specific goal in mind vs. talking about emotional states
Active listening-restating what the other person said in your own words
Topics of conversation-discussing feelings vs. most recent sport events
Self-disclosure-revealing information about yourself
Interpersonal Conflict
When we have a conflict, a relationship is temporarily destabilized. An interpersonal conflict is an expressed disagreement between at least two people whose goals are incompatible at the moment.
People have different coping styles in the face of conflict. Some choose to deny that conflict exists, others attempt to avoid it and some "go at it" head on. Some people blame the other person, some blame themselves. The constructive ways of approaching conflict are compromise and collaboration. Compromise entails willingness to "give and take" with the other person. Collaboration is about working creatively as a team toward a solution that meets the needs of each person.
It helps to approach conflict with a clear sense of what the problem at hand is and what you would like to get out of the situation. Being able to articulate your thoughts, and needs in a direct, yet non-threatening way will promote a problem solving, rather than