Slide 1Chapter 7: Improving Relationships *Climate and ConflictTwo Way to Improve RelationshipsCommunication Climate is the emotional tone of a relationshipMessages have two dimensionsGibbs’ Categories Certain Messages (behaviors) are more likely to create supportive or defensive climatesRelational ConflictConflictDealing with Conflict EffectivelyConflict and PersonalitySlide 11Conflict: Expression and resolutionNonassertionDirect AggressionPassive AggressionIndirect CommunicationAssertionResolving Conflict EffectivelyIn resolving a conflict remember these things:CHAPTER 7: IMPROVING RELATIONSHIPS*CLIMATE AND CONFLICTTWO WAY TO IMPROVE RELATIONSHIPSMaintain an effective communication climate.Express and resolve conflict in an effective manner.COMMUNICATION CLIMATE ISTHE EMOTIONAL TONE OF A RELATIONSHIPIt measure the degree to which a person feels he/she is valued in a relationship.It is created through:Confirming responses:Disconfirming responses:Conflict SpiralsMESSAGES HAVE TWO DIMENSIONSContent dimension: substance of the messageRelational dimension: conveys feelings one person has towards the other person.GIBBS’ CATEGORIESCERTAIN MESSAGES (BEHAVIORS) ARE MORE LIKELY TO CREATE SUPPORTIVE OR DEFENSIVE CLIMATES DefensiveDefensive vs SupportiveSupportiveEvaluation - DescriptionControl - Problem-orientedStrategy - SpontaneityNeutrality - EmpathySuperiority - EqualityCertainty - ProvisionalismRELATIONAL CONFLICTCONFLICTExpressed StruggleIncompatible goals (perceived)Scarce ResourcesInterdependent PartiesMoneyOther RelationshipsLifestyleDecisionsBehaviorsWhat is it?Major Causes of ConflictDEALING WITH CONFLICT EFFECTIVELYInfluenced by:GenderCulturePersonalityConflict StyleConflict Resolution MethodCONFLICT AND PERSONALITYPersonality ProfilesCONFLICT: EXPRESSION AND RESOLUTIONMost people, tend to express and/or react to conflict in one of five ways.Style may vary and be impacted by the situation, but many people tend to rely primarily on 1 or 2 styles most often.There are four major ways to resolve conflict:Win-loseLose-loseCompromiseWin-winNONASSERTIONDoes not express feelingsPuts other person’s needs ahead of your ownGenerally achieved in two ways: avoidance = I lose- you lose accommodation= I lose – you winIs it ever the best way to handle conflict?DIRECT AGGRESSIONDirectly confronts and attacks the other personPuts personal needs ahead of the other personUtilizes competitive problem-solving = I win – you losePASSIVE AGGRESSIONExpresses hostility in a vague wayLose-Lose: If I lose then You lose too.Uses Crazymaking ActionsPseudoaccomodatorsGuiltmakersJokersTrivial tyrannizers WithholdersINDIRECT COMMUNICATIONConveys information in a roundabout wayUses a 3rd partyASSERTIONExpresses needs, thoughts, and feelings clearly and directlyAsserts own needs without stepping on the needs of othersPart of a Win-Win resolution: I win – you winUtilized in Collaboration = problem solving processRESOLVING CONFLICT EFFECTIVELYPerspective See the issue from the other’s perspective (empathy)Keep things in perspectiveBe Tolerant respect their decisions on how to live their lifeDeal with your Angercalm our anger before confronting otherTalkBut, remember some things are best left unsaid Raising Problem sometimes it is important to make another person aware of the problems they are creatingIN RESOLVING A CONFLICT REMEMBER THESE THINGS:Consider the other person’s needs/your needsConsider the most appropriate method of conflict resolutionUse effective communication techniques to address conflict DESC(describe behaviors/ explain effect/ state outcome/express consequences)If possible engage in win-win conflict