Chapter 11 - Managing Interpersonal Conflicts

CHAPTER 11 - MANAGING INTERPERSONAL CONFLICTS SLOs After studying the material in Chapter Ten of Looking Out/Looking In, you should understand: 1. The definition of conflict. 2. That conflict is natural and inevitable, and can be beneficial. 3. Five individual styles of conflict. 4. How conflict styles indicate the relationship between concern for self and concern for the other party. 5. Four factors to consider when deciding on an approach to handling conflict. 6. Relational conflict patterns and rituals and how they contribute to or take away from constructive relationships. 7. How gender and culture affect the ways in which conflict is handled. 8. The steps to reaching win-win conflict solutions. 9. Questions and answers about the validity of the win-win negotiating style. Specifically, you should be able to: 1. Identify the characteristics of the conflicts in your life, according to the text definition. 2. Describe your personal conflict style by: A) identifying the individual conflict style(s) you most commonly use B) evaluating the appropriateness of the style(s) C) recognizing the consequences of the style(s). 3. Choose the best conflict style based on the factors for consideration suggested in the text. 4. Describe what you perceive to be others’ conflict styles. 5. Identify the relational conflict styles, patterns of behavior, and conflict rituals that define your relationships. 6. Recognize the potential benefits of using the win-win method to handle your conflicts. 7. Use the win-win problem-solving method by A) identifying your unmet needs B) choosing the best time and place to resolve the conflict C) describing your problem and unmet needs clearly and assertively D) considering your partner’s point of view E) negotiating a win-win solution whenever possible F) following up on the solution.