1. How do I handle conflict?

2. Many problems occur in relationships because of POOR COMMUNICATION: Message is not sent clearly Message is misinterpreted Message is not received clearly

3. CONFLICT This occurs when people disagree on an issue. Some conflict is a normal part of most relationships. Because people have different values, interests, personalities, wants and needs, conflict is common.

4. How do you think most people respond to conflict?

5. They argue and engage in NEGATIVE communication (Remember “you- messages”?) Conflict does NOT get resolved this way.

6. Conflict can never fully be eliminated from a relationship BUT it can be controlled by taking steps to solve problems.

7. CONFLICT RESOLUTION A skill that helps resolve disagreements in a POSITIVE way. It encourages a better understanding of the other person’s point of view to reach a fair solution.

8. There are 4 steps to conflict resolution: 1.Identify the problem 2.Identify who owns the problem 3.Accept ownership of the problem 4.Solve the problem

9. 1. Identify the Problem What is causing it? Be an active listener Use i-Statements

10. 2. Identify Who OWNS the Problem Whom does the problem affect? That person is responsible for solving the problem Sometimes a problem affects a group of people and then it is shared jointly

11. 3. Accept Ownership of the Problem Once someone “owns” the problem you can work towards fixing it

12. 4. Solve the Problem Once you take ownership then you can take steps to solve the problem The decision-making process can be applied to solve it If a problem is jointly owned, then there needs to be a NEGOTIATION People can overcome obstacles in negotiation through COMPROMISE

13. NEGOTIATION A communication process in which people alternate between sending and receiving messages.

14. COMPROMISE A give-and-take method that allows both people to express themselves. This works because both people give a little and no one person wins. It maintains each person’s self-esteem. Each person recognizes the worth of the other’s opinions, desires and feelings. People who feel more accepted are more likely to work towards a solution.