Running Head: Conflict Brief #3
Conflict Brief #3
Dr. Katsion
COMS 560
Tomeko Eaddy
Conflict Brief #3
Part I:
Conflict management is a skill that is always evolving and progressing. As a leader,
having a solid foundation on how to handle conflict is a must in an effort to promote team
building, critical thinking and alternative solution[ CITATION Ell19 \l 1033 ]. There are many
ways to handle conflict and today, there will be an additional alternative to managing conflict to
use in conjunction with the conflict management strategies already known. Hopefully, this skill
will be another skill leaders use to help navigate the sometimes difficult job of managing conflict
that can be used in all aspects of life, not only business. Today we introduce the diplomatic
approach to the already defined list of strategies that can be used to manage conflict. The
diplomatic approach to conflict management the person who takes the initiative to not only
manage conflict but also ensure reconciliation happens after the conflict has been resolved.
The three tenets of this theory are as follows:
1) Make the first move. This would be addressing the conflict head-on and trying to get to a
resolution within a quick timeframe [ CITATION War14 \l 1033 ]. The goal of this step is to let
the person(s) involved know that a conversation regarding conflict will be happening and to be
prepared to discuss the conflict at hand. Matthew 5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall
be called sons of God (NKJV). Those who take initiative to keep or help create peaceful
relationships are people that will only help make the world a better place [ CITATION War14 \l
1033 ].
2). Prepare for the conversation. The diplomat approach is preparing for the conflict before
having the conversation and having set goals/outcomes from that conflict in addition to
rebuilding the relationship once the conflict has been managed. Psalms 10:17 Lord, you have
Conflict Brief #3
heard the desires of the humble, you will prepare their hearts, you will cause your ear to hear.
When preparing for this meeting, be sure to identify the conflict from your perspective, take
ownership of your part of the problem and ways to help prevent that from happening in the
future.
3) Conduct and assess the meeting. After making the first move then preparing for the meeting,
the next natural step is to conduct the meeting. Preparing for the meeting will help guide the
meeting to stay on track and hopefully achieve the desired outcomes. Once the meeting is
completed, the most important part is to follow-up and do an assessment to see if the meeting
was successful. First goal of this step is to identify the conflict and resolve that issue. The second
goal is to rebuild a relationship and start reconciliation between both parties. Proverbs 2:6 For
the lord gives wisdom, from his mouth comes knowledge and understanding. Go in to the
meeting with understanding and ensuring you are listening to hear and not to respond. Feelings
must be managed during this meeting to help make sure the goals of the meeting are met. The
overall goal should be to find a fair solution and also start to rebuild that relationship so each
party can continue to address conflict in the future without fear of reprisal or retaliation.
Part II: The Rationale
Research has shown that Rahim’s conflict style is divided into generally five separate
areas. They are as follows: obliging, compromising, avoiding, integrating and dominating
(Hocker & Wilmot, 2018). The model rest on two axes, concern for others and concern for self.
As we know, it is important to always progress in area and conflict management is not exception.
It is important to redefine and update those conflict styles because people are always evolving
Conflict Brief #3
which means ways to manage conflict is always evolving. The diplomatic approach is the
peacemaker approach. This approach focuses on behavior and events, not personalities. Often,
conflict involves an array of emotions and with this approach, the emotions are removed before
the discussion. The preparation phase helps to separate the problem from the emotions. The
diplomatic approach uses assertive communication which is a very valuable skill in conflict
resolution. Assertive communication is effective for achieving goals, making decisions and to
ultimately develop respect between team members and others[ CITATION May17 \l 1033 ]. The
most important part of this theory is the follow-up or reconciliation aspect of the theory. The
strategies we studied only focus on how to address the conflict but never discuss what happens
after the conflict is resolved. This theory will allow a follow-up portion to help encourage
reconciliation once the conflict has been addressed. This will help to build or rebuild the team
and trust with those who encountered conflict. Building trust and being able to move past it to
grow into a stronger team/organization should always be the goal.
Conclusion
The diplomatic theory gives an additional conflict management theory to be used in all
aspects of life. The key to this theory is to have the difficult conversation by preparing and
staying focus. The second key is reconciliation which is just as important as dealing with the
conflict at hand. The goal is to not only address the conflict but also start to rebuild the trust
between those in conflict. Hopefully this theory will help organization to face conflict head-on
and eventually become a stronger and more productive team.
Conflict Brief #3
Conflict Brief #3
References
Ellis, V. &.-B. (2019, Jan 19). Conflict Management. Retrieved from NCBI:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470432/
Hocker, J., & Wilmot, W. (2018). Interpersonal Conflict. New York: McGraw-Hill Education.
Mayo Clinic. (2017, May 09). Being Assertive: Reduce Stress, communicate better. Retrieved from Mayo
Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/assertive/art-
20044644
Warren, R. (2014, Jul 28). Learn how to resolve conflict & restore relationships with Rick Warren.
Retrieved from YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1udN6OShf4&feature=youtu.be
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