Understanding Conflict Management
Choice
Recognition of Choice
A basic element of decision making is a recognition of choices. Thinking through a situation that presents conflict is generally more difficult than arguing or fighting. Recognizing choices, thinking through consequences, and then taking action underlies all successful strategies in resolving and managing conflict. Understanding this begins with examining a person’s decision making and problem-solving methods by way of self assessment.
Self-assessment is not only helpful for the parties in the dispute but it should also be practiced my any mediator or decision maker. Knowledge of self results in clearer choices and better evaluations of actions.
Below are things that might influence the persons involved in a dispute and, if not recognized, can disrupt conflict management by limiting choices.
- Values and attitudes about the persons
- Values and attitudes about the behaviors
- Feelings of powerlessness
- Fears and perceived threats
- Individual backgrounds and history
- Previous experiences
- Individual identities
Choices
Everyday activities involve choices. Look below and click on all of the various choices you might make in a typical day:
When you drive your automobile on the highway, you have a choice to:
Maintain the speed limit
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Drive below the speed limit
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Exceed the speed limits
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