PRDV217: Introduction to Sales

To whom do you have the most conflict right now?  If you still live at home with a parent or parents, you may have daily conflicts with your family as you try to balance your autonomy, or desire for independence, with the practicalities of living under your family's roof. If you have recently moved into an apartment or house, you may negotiate roommate conflicts as you adjust to living with someone you may not know. You probably also have experiences with conflict in romantic relationships, in the workplace, and maybe even at school. So think back and ask yourself, "How well do I handle conflict?" As with all areas of communication, we can improve if we have the background knowledge and the motivation to reflect on and enhance our communication skills.

Examining Interpersonal Conflict

Interpersonal conflict occurs in interactions with real or perceived incompatible goals or opposing viewpoints. Interpersonal conflict may be expressed verbally or nonverbally along a continuum ranging from mild nonverbal silent treatment to a very loud shouting match. Interpersonal conflict is, however, distinct from interpersonal violence, which escalates beyond communication to include abuse. Domestic violence is a serious issue beyond the conflict we will discuss.

While conflict may be uncomfortable and challenging, it does not have to be negative. It is inevitable. Since conflict is present in our personal and professional lives, the ability to manage conflict and negotiate desirable outcomes can help us be more successful at both. Whether you and your partner are trying to decide what brand of flat-screen television to buy or discussing the upcoming political election with your mother, the potential for conflict is present. In professional settings, the ability to engage in conflict management, sometimes called conflict resolution, is a necessary and valued skill.

Using strategies for managing conflict situations can make life more pleasant than letting a situation stagnate or escalate. The negative effects of poorly handled conflict could range from an awkward last few weeks of the semester with a college roommate to being fired from your job. There is no absolute right or wrong way to handle a conflict. Remember that being a competent communicator does not mean following absolute rules. Rather, a competent communicator assesses multiple contexts and applies or adapts communication tools and skills to fit the situation.

Source: Lisa Coleman, Thomas King, and William Turner, https://socialsci.libretexts.org/Courses/Southwest_Tennessee_Community_College/Competent_Communication_-_2nd_Edition/06%3A_Interpersonal_Communication/6.07%3A_Conflict_Management
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