1. Conflict Management

2. What is Conflict? Any clash of ideas or interests
A fight or disagreement

3. What Causes Conflict? Feeling threatened Lack of respect
Resources (wanting something you can’t have)
Values and expectations
Emotions (hurt feelings or anger)

4. Recognizing the Signs of Conflict
Disagreement: the first and surest sign of conflict.
Emotions: frustration, confusion, resentment, anger…
Others’ behavior

5. Communicating During Conflict
Many people manage conflict differently
Avoiding
Solving
Becoming angry
However you are familiar with handling conflict or seeing conflict handled is usually what you will do.

6. Attitudes about Conflict Consequences of Response
The conflict Cycle
Conflict
Attitudes about Conflict
Response to Conflict
Consequences of Response

7. Communicating During Conflict
Express yourself:
Stay calm!
Make sure the other person sees your side
use “I” messages
Choose your words:
Speak openly and honestly
Explain how you feel
Do not use abusive or threatening language
No demands or threats
No insults!
Body language:
Calm
Facial expressions
Don’t overpower
Listening:
Use active listening!

8. Conflict at School--Teasing
Teasing is NOT ok or harmless. Someone is being affected by it every time you tease.
If you are being teased there are a few things you can do:
(TRY TO) Ignore it—teasing is often about getting attention. If you ignore it they may lose interest.
Make a joke—if you make a joke you are showing that it doesn’t bother you.
Confront the teaser—let them know how you feel. They may have not understood it was affecting you.

9. Conflict at School--Bullying
Bullying is scaring or controlling another person by using threats or physical force.
There are many different types of bullying: physical, verbal, intimidation, cyber- bullying, emotional…
Some ways to deal with bullying:
Ignore the bully
Talk to the bully
Stand up to the bully
REPORT THE BULLY!

10. Conflicts at School--Teachers
Teachers—There could be conflicts with teachers?! (grades, unfair, strict, disrespectful, etc…)
Talk to the teacher:
Pick the right time and place
Stay calm
Focus on solving the problem—don’t blame
If that doesn’t work talk to another teacher, principal or parent about the issue.

11. Conflict at Home Parents:
Rules, responsibilities, expectations, difference of opinion
They have your best interests in mind
Usually following their advice is best.
Make sure to communicate effectively!
Siblings:
Sharing possessions and space, jealousy, age differences, sibling rivalry (competition)
Communicate!

12. Avoiding Conflicts or Dangerous Situations
Recognize the signs:
Anger, losing control
Tone of voice
Body language
2. Calm things down:
Be respectful
“I” messages
Take a deep breath and try to stay calm
3. Leave the situation:
Let things cool down
4. Offer alternatives

13. Resolving Conflict
Negotiation: the act of discussing the issue of the conflict to reach an agreement.
Requires both people to describe their feelings and needs.
Must understand and respect the other.
Takes time and practice.
Usually ensures that both parties get at least some of what they want out of the conflict.
Compromise: a solution to a conflict in which each side gives up something to reach an agreement.
We must all learn because we will need this in our lives.
Takes time and practice!

14. Resolving Conflict
Collaboration: a solution to a conflict in which both sides work together to get what they want.
When possible, it is better than compromise.
Allows both to walk away feeling like they got what they wanted.
Example: you and your friend are arguing about what movie to watch.
Compromise: you let your friend pick, but you get to pick next time.
Collaboration: you pick one you both want to watch.

15. Resolving Conflict
Mediation: a process in which another person, called a mediator, listens to both sides of the conflict and offers solutions
Mediators must:
Be trained and practiced
Be objective
Be understanding
Able to control situations—can get the discussion back on track.
Peer Mediation: when the mediator is someone of similar age.
May understand better
Might be easier to access
Same requirements needed.