One method of conflict resolution is to keep in mind the emotions of all parties in the conflict. Emotions are one of the major underlying causes of conflict, such as a bully's feelings of insecurity causing them to lash out against others. When emotions are considered, conflicts are more likely to be resolved.
To increase the chances of resolving the conflict, both parties should maintain direct and honest communication. Neither party should consider themselves superior, because they then believe they do not need to compromise with the other group. The main principle of the resolution should be for both groups to get something out of the resolution.
The basic steps are as follows: A) you should seek to understand the view of the other side of the conflict. You should make sure you understand that they really do want to end the conflict. You should make sure to maintain good communication skills, such as paraphrasing. You should try to figue out what you can give the other party to make them happy. B) Make sure the other party understands you. Seek to show your view of the conflict, while still trying to respect theirs. C) Work together to try to come to a compromise. Brainstorm with the other party to come up with a plan while witholding your judgement of the plan. Make sure both groups are okay with the plan, and remember to choose the resolution that will make both groups the most happy. While discussing possible resolutions, the least powerful member should act as a moderator, so neither group is more powerful.
It is possible that this method could actually be successful, such as if it was a bullying situation. The person being bullied should try to understand why the buly is the way he is, and should also explain to the bully why the action bothers him. The two would them try to find an agreement, such as the bully would leave the other person alone if they would help the bully with their problem.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Friday, February 6, 2009
Decision Making Models
We all know that GREAT decision making stands for the steps you should follow to make good decisions. The steps, in order, are to Give thought to the problem, Review your choices, Evaluate the consequences of each choice, Assess and choose the best choice, and Think about it afterward.
Another good decision making model is the PMI, or Plus Minus Interesting model. To use this model you make a 3 column diagram for each choice and list what is a plus about the choice in one column, what is a minus in another, and what would be interesting about the possible choice. After the lists are complete, give a score to each item, and add them up. You then base your decision on the result you receive after adding the scores.
A third model is based upon Maslow's Hierarchy of needs. While thinking about your choices, remember to think about how a decision will affect your needs based on the hierarchy. First make sure the consequences of the decision will not affect any of your basic needs, and if the decision takes away from having our lower needs fulfilled, it probably isn't the best one.
The GREAT decision model is best for low level decisions, like whether or not to skip school, or go to a party on a school night. It helps when you are trying to think quickly and have no other resources. The PMI is better for more important decisions, such as what job to take, or other major life decisions, to see whether of not the positives outweigh the negatives. This model helps a lot when you have time to make the decision and have someone to give ideas for pros/cons. The Maslow model helps when the decision you have to make could have a consequence on how you live your life. If you were to have to choose whether or not to do drugs, you could use the hierarchy to determine whether the action would infringe on one of your basic needs.
Another good decision making model is the PMI, or Plus Minus Interesting model. To use this model you make a 3 column diagram for each choice and list what is a plus about the choice in one column, what is a minus in another, and what would be interesting about the possible choice. After the lists are complete, give a score to each item, and add them up. You then base your decision on the result you receive after adding the scores.
A third model is based upon Maslow's Hierarchy of needs. While thinking about your choices, remember to think about how a decision will affect your needs based on the hierarchy. First make sure the consequences of the decision will not affect any of your basic needs, and if the decision takes away from having our lower needs fulfilled, it probably isn't the best one.
The GREAT decision model is best for low level decisions, like whether or not to skip school, or go to a party on a school night. It helps when you are trying to think quickly and have no other resources. The PMI is better for more important decisions, such as what job to take, or other major life decisions, to see whether of not the positives outweigh the negatives. This model helps a lot when you have time to make the decision and have someone to give ideas for pros/cons. The Maslow model helps when the decision you have to make could have a consequence on how you live your life. If you were to have to choose whether or not to do drugs, you could use the hierarchy to determine whether the action would infringe on one of your basic needs.
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