COM FPX 3700 Assessment 1 Interpersonal Conflict
Intrapersonal Conflict
Conflict is a situation or condition of two or more separate entities interacting with opposing goals, conflicting interests, and/or different needs. Conflicts can be personal in nature existing between two individuals. Large corporations representing vast numbers of people can also experience conflicts. Intrapersonal conflict involves an individual’s beliefs, values, and emotions that make up the self. The individual’s self is not just involved, it is challenged as being wrong. Conflicts are at times avoidable but will happen to everyone at some time in their lives. Existing in a world where being different is celebrated is an amazing personal freedom. It is also these differences that lead to conflicts. Management of expectations and perceptions is essential in tackling conflict which can be done through communication. Communication is both the cause and resolution of conflicts. Effective communication is key to handling and even avoiding conflict. Ineffective communication is at the root of conflicts (Collisson, 2014).
COM FPX 3700 Assessment 1 Interpersonal Conflict
People tend to believe in their own truth as being correct, holding others’ personal truth as wrong if it is different from their own (Collisson, 2014). A middle-aged gentleman leaves a message with his physician’s office. For this gentleman, the truth is that he should receive a prompt personal return call addressing the message left, anything different is rude. The young office manager’s truth is to respond to as many client issues quickly and effectively as possible, in most cases utilizing electronic communication, not an actual telephone conversation. Conflict arises due to mismatched expectations. Poor communication skills can exacerbate this situation. The man becomes angry for poor personal service and exhibits criticism and contempt. The young manager then becomes defensive and hurt, and then begins ignoring all communications from the man. The man tells everyone he knows how poorly he was treated and begins making the statement that young women should not be allowed to run proper offices. This young woman continues to ignore older assertive men she feels similar which greatly affects the business. This interaction can continue to impact others.
With effective communication, the situation could be vastly different. Practicing active listening, asking questions, using I statements, recognizing differences, using open body language, and emphasizing the relationship are some effective positive communication skills (Ishii, 2010). The client should have stated in his message that he would prefer a return call, or he could have followed up when he did not receive a call. This man needs to politely inform someone in the office that he has an unresolved issue and allow for amends to be made. Without this information, the young manager is unaware of any conflict, not recognizing the need for improvement. Once conflict began the office manager should have opened by communicating that she is there to help the man, asking why he felt angry and what specifically could be done to make the situation better, avoidance never being the better option. Both individuals keep an open mind that multiple truths exist for different people. Understanding that an individual’s truth is influenced by their experiences, culture, and religion along with time and place where they exist (Clarfeld et al., 2021). Acceptance that there can be more than one right way lessens the chance for conflict.
I am an inquisitive person, born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia. I chose to start travel nursing almost a decade ago, only to realize I am sheltered in my urban life. In America, we have a lot of different people, and I only represent myself. Working in Northern Vermont, I felt very out of place, I related to no one around me, my food preferences couldn’t be more different, I didn’t understand half of what others said, and I seemed to offend everyone, which was never my intent. Asking co-workers how they are and how their family is doing, was seen as intrusively rude. Touching a stranger on the shoulder when greeting them was offensively too familiar. Addressing everyone by “Mr. & Mrs.” is not seen as polite, but rude and calling them old. When wanting to become a better nurse and inquiring about a rationale for practice, I was perceived as confrontational because I was asking “why.” Things that were drilled into me as common manners were offensive and intrusive in my new surroundings. I hated going to work, which made me sad, and physically I felt unwell just before heading to work. During this contract, I met another traveler from Memphis, TN, and hearing her say hello was a breath of fresh air. Together we became friends, and that assignment became bearable. As time progressed, we became known as the” black nurses” and eventually another nurse from Alabama joined us. I learned to adjust my behaviors throughout my travels. I don’t touch others without asking, I can even agree with you and not place my hand on your arm. I try other foods and just bring my home comforts to have in my personal time. Not all carbonated drinks are called Coke. When addressing my managers, I lead with, “I am not trying to be contrary, I truly want to learn and do what you ask of me, why are you requiring ______, and what is the benefit as opposed to _____.” I recognize that regionally we all have stereotypes that are very likely erroneous. I take the time to get to know others and ask questions to learn how we are different. Despite our differences, we were still able to provide the best care to our patients. The nurses I befriended, our truths had many similarities that were not tied to the color of our skin, but rather the region where we were from, which created conflict when traveling to another area. To the individuals I encountered in Northern Vermont, I like to think we taught them that the stereotype they had, perceived expectations, as being “black” was never offensive, however “Southern” would have been more accurate. Memphis, TN grew up very rural and happens to be black. This Georgia Peach is the minority in the inner city, East Atlanta, with pale white skin. Alabama identified as other, as she could blend with most skin tones. When interacting with new people, I make no assumptions, I ask their preferences. When I feel someone is offended, I ask what they are feeling, and I listen. I inform offended individuals, that I do not mean to be offensive with my lack of knowledge on their issue, but I would love to learn more about it to help. I have also learned to appreciate differences. Grits and sweet tea are so very amazing, but New Englanders’ have helped me discover I like cheddar cheese on my apple pie.
COM FPX 3700 Assessment 1 Interpersonal Conflict
Intrapersonal conflict exists when two individuals have opposing agendas. These agendas are heavily influenced by personal differences. Radical thinking that different can be good. However, when conflict results from these differences resolution can occur by practicing active listening, asking questions, and making I statements.
References
Clarfeld, L. A., Gramling, R., Rizzo, D. M., & Eppstein, M. J. (2021). A general model of conversational dynamics and an example application in serious illness communication. PLOS ONE, 16(7), e0253124. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0253124
Collisson, B. (2014). Failing to see eye to eye: The role of the self in conflict misperception. North American Journal of Psychology, 16(2), 193–200.
COM FPX 3700 Assessment 1 Interpersonal Conflict
Ishii, K. (2010). Conflict management in online relationships. Cyberpsychology, Behavior & Social Networking, 12(2), 365–370.
