Essay Sample on Compassionate Communication

Arguably, compassionate communication plays a significant role in setting up a friendly climate during a conflict. The nature of the relationship between conflicting parties determines the different approaches that may be used to achieve a long-term resolution to a disagreement.

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Bradberry (2017) described criticism, contempt, defensiveness, and stonewalling as the Four Horsemen of Apocalypse, which hold power to destroy any relationship; therefore, I would avoid the four when solving conflicts in a personal relationship. Personal relationships are built on trust, investment, commitment, and self-disclosure. Hence, I would maintain trust by ensuring that I avoid criticism because it attacks a person's interests, character, or personality, instead of a given behavior that requires change Bradberry (2017). Therefore, I would instead engage in an open conversation. Contempt is often associated with a lack of interest in the other person; consequently, it is worth avoiding during a conflict resolution, to show commitment. I would avoid making excuses, denying responsibility, and meeting each complaint with another. According to Bradberry (2017), such forms of defensiveness elevate anxiety and tension and make it impossible to resolve the conflict. I would avoid also avoid being emotionally distant and ignoring the other person (stonewalling) since according to Bradberry (2017), it leads to disunity.

Similar to personal relationships, conflicts in a professional set up are solved through communication. According to Myatt (2015), communication is essential since most arguments arise from misinformation, inadequate, or no information at all. To manage conflicts in a work environment, I would define the acceptable behavior, to ensure that everyone knows what cannot be tolerated. According to Myatt (2015), this approach promotes excellent communication and talent management, thereby controlling conflicts. Secondly, I would address the conflict early before it elevates to high levels. Also, I would introduce the importance factor, which, according to Myatt (2015), promotes cohesion by reminding people that if anything is important enough to raise conflicts, then it is essential to resolve.

For any parties engaging in a conflict, the nature of their relationship determines the valid approaches to use to resolve the problem. In personal relationships, conflict resolution relies on avoiding criticism, contempt, defensiveness, and stonewalling. In a professional set up, conflicts are solved through adequate communication and following a set code of behavior.

References

Bradberry, T. (2017, October 11). Rescuing Relationships. TD Magazine. Retrieved from https://www.td.org/magazines/td-magazine/rescuing-relationships

Myatt, M. (2015, December 13). 5 Keys of Dealing with Workplace Conflict. Forbes. Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/sites/mikemyatt/2012/02/22/5-keys-to-dealing-with-workplace-conflict/#7236e23d1e95