1. Interpersonal Communications Live Seminar Unit 9
Welcome to CM206
Interpersonal Communications
Live Seminar Unit 9

2. Agenda for Seminar Welcome Review of Chapter 9 & Seminar questions

3. Defining Interpersonal Conflict
When people in “I-You” or “I-Thou” relationships have different views, interests, or goals and feel a need to resolve those differences
Expressed disagreement
Interdependence
The felt need for resolution

4. Principles of Conflict
Conflict is natural in relationships
Conflict may be expressed overtly or covertly
Social groups share the meaning of conflict behaviors
Conflict can be managed well or poorly
Conflict can be good for individuals and relationships

5. Orientations to Conflict
Lose-Lose
Win-Lose
Win-Win

6. Responses to Conflict The exit response The neglect response
The loyalty response
The voice response

7. Unproductive Communication Patterns During Conflict
The early stages
Communication that fails to confirm individuals
Cross-complaining
Negative climate and mind reading
The middle stages
Kitchen-sinking
Frequent interruptions
The later stages
Counterproposals
Excessive miscommunication

8. Constructive Communication Patterns During Conflict
The early stages
Communicators confirm each other by recognizing and acknowledging each other’s concerns and feelings
The middle stages
Stay focused on main issues (agenda building)
Bracketing
Don’t interrupt except for clarification
Recognize and acknowledge each other’s point of view
The later stages
Contracting

9. Conflict Management Skills
Attend to the relationship level of meaning
Communicate supportively
Listen mindfully
Own your feelings, thoughts, and issues
Check perceptions
Look for points of agreement
Look for ways to preserve the other’s face
Imagine how you will feel in the future

10. Guidelines for Effective Communication During Conflict
Focus on the overall communication system
Time conflict purposefully
Aim for win-win conflict
Honor yourself, your partner, and the relationship
Show grace when appropriate

11. Seminar Questions What are the principles of conflict?
What are the orientations to conflict? Which do you tend to use most often? See quiz on page 250.

12. Seminar Questions cont.
Think about the ways you typically respond to conflict. Do you tend to rely on one or two of the four responses in the text? Explain. Are your response tendencies consistent with research findings in the text about women and men in general? Why or why not?

13. Seminar Questions cont.
Which conflict-management skill do you consider yourself good at using and which do you need to develop more? How do you plan to develop these skills?

14. Conclusion Any more thoughts? Questions?
Have a wonderful day and best of luck with the completion of the course!