COMS 560
Conflict Strategy
Ashanti Johnson
Dr. John Katsion
February 26, 2022
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COMS 560
“The way that you reach people is by finding common ground, separating ideas from
identity, and being genuinely open to persuasion.” Julia Dhar. (2018, December 10). Understanding
conflict is not only a skill that needs to mastered but a skill that needs to be understood. The
Hocker Willmott Conflict Assessment provides a step-by-step guide to understanding and
defining conflict. We will use parts of this assessment to guide the conflicting conversation.
Identifying the goals, tactics, and attempted solutions. Conflict can be defined as Chad and
Ashley provide insight to how conflict can be both negative and positive when viewed from
different lenses. Let’s explore the conflict: Chad is an older male who happens to be Ashley’s
boss. Ashley is young, innovative, creative, and very fast paced. Chad moves slow and typically
sticks to process, and systems to get the job done. Ashley feels stuck in her department and feels
as though her creativity isn’t being used.
Ashley wants to fix the issues in the department, but Chad wants to leave things as is, he
believes the way everything has been done is working and should stay the same. Ashley and
Chad constantly bump heads about the direction of their department and Ashley does not feel
included in the decision-making process. Chad believes since Ashley is new, she should be silent
but give ideas when asked. Ashley wants to meet with Chad about this issue, but she does not
believe any changes will occur. Chad has mentioned to Ashley’s assistant director he would like
to meet with her, but he does not know how to approach the conversation.
Now that we’ve read the situation, we can focus on Conflict transformation. Before we
get there let’s explore the three lenses of conflict transformation.
Lense 1: Seeing the immediate situation
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COMS 560
Immediately we notice a conflict of opinion, and interest, and age. Ashley is young, and Chad is
older. He thinks the department should stay the same, Ashley sees areas of opportunity. Neither
feel comfortable expressing how they truly feel to the other. Ashley wants to dive in and act,
Chad has a mindset of slow and steady wins the race.
Lense 2: Seeing beyond the present problem
Simply put look ahead, both Ashley and Chad can look ahead and bring the department to
the center. Bouncing ideas off each other on how to advance their department. First coming to
each other to release what they’re feeling. Ashley must look at Chads heart he’s been in the
department longer and may have more insight. Chad must see Ashley’s passion as beneficial
rather than detrimental.
Lense 3: Conceptual framework
“That holds these perspectives together, one that permits us to
connect the presenting problems with the deeper relational patterns.”
Lederach, J. (2022). The current problem and biggest problem is lack of
communication, along with lack of trust. Trust is the relational pattern,
neither Ashley nor Chad trusts each other to make the best decisions for
their department.
Ashley and Chad should “debate ideas, rather than discuss identity.”
(Julia Dhar. (2018, December 10). Removing self and the personal effects creates a
space for both to be unoffendable and able to share ideas. Another issue is,
both are tied to their ideas, their identity has become glued to their ideas,
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COMS 560
now it is more personal when someone is told no, or their vision for the
department hasn’t been received well.
Neither Ashley nor Chad wants to address their issues, when this
situation can be seen to find confidence in their conflict. ___ stated conflict is
an opportunity to “repair or strengthen valuable relationships.” Being that
both Chad and Ashley must work together their relationship should be
strong. The way to combat this is by implementing “compassionate
curiosity” this means you have a desire to understand with empathy and
respect. TEDxDayton. (2017, December 11).
In Pursuing Peace Robert Jones outlines a path for pursuing peace. 1.
Both Ashley and Chad would need to remember the most important part is to
please God. 2. Ashley and Chad should repent to each other and reveal their
hearts to one another. Ashley’s heart is advancement and creativity, Chad’s
heart is in the right place also, he wants to ensure the foundation that the
department was built on remains standing and that they move at the right
pace and time. The second half of this is confessing their behaviors, words,
and actions Lederach, J. (2022). An apology is necessary on both ends. There’s
more frustration and less communication. There’s resentment and an
inability to trust each other, these things must be admitted and removed
from their hearts. Lastly the path calls for Love, loving the person. Jones also
stated to “replace sinful responses with Christlike Graces.” Just as God gives
grace both Ashley and Chad must have a lens of grace.
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COMS 560
The goal is to advance their department, the solution is simple. Create a space for grace,
listen to hear and not to respond and trust the heart of one another. Ashley and Chad have an
opportunity to really advance the kingdom and each other if they’re willing to show compassion
and challenge each other there is room for common ground. Scripture tells us to “Be kind to one
another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you”
Ephesians 4:32. Having a tender heart and kindness while being confident in conflict can reshape
both Ashley and Chad. In close Matthew 18:15-17 says, “if your brother sins against
you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone.”
This is a great practice of conflict transformation and resolution. Going
straight to each other and being willing to admit there’s hurt and distrust.
Also having the heart to receive things they may or may not agree with.
Taking this approach will not only advance their department, but it will propel
both Chad and Ashley towards a successful and healthy working relationship
that is free of frustration and full of support, guidance, trust, and correction.
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COMS 560
Reference:
Finding Confidence in Conflict | Kwame Christian | TEDxDayton. (2017, December 11).
YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F6Zg65eK9XU&t=304s
How to disagree productively and find common ground | Julia Dhar. (2018, December 10).
YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=phgjouv0BUA&t=585s
Lederach, J. (2022). Little Book of Conflict Transformation: Clear Articulation Of The Guiding
Principles By A Pioneer In The Field (Little Books of Justice & Peacebuilding) (Original
ed.). Good Books.
Matthew 18:15–17 (ESV). (2022). Bible Gateway. https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?
search=Matthew%2018%3A15-17&version=ESV;KJV
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