Defining Conflict

U01A1 – Defining Conflict

Georgia Dawkins

COM3700 – Conflict Resolution

Capella University

July 18, 2014

What is Conflict?

Conflict is a situation that occurs when two (or more) parties share different viewpoints on the same issue. It is a natural occurrence as people naturally are looking at a situation from their own point of view. It takes a willingness to listen to another to resolve conflict.

One current conflict in my life is an issue I am having with trying to petition the boss to allow me occasional remote capabilities for working. My husband has a seizure disorder and he has occasional seizures that will keep me home because I need to ensure he comes out of them and is behaving normally after rest. At the same time, she has issues with granting this because in the past she’s had other employees complain that some can have this option and some can’t. She told our group awhile back there would be no new options for this. My husband’s seizures have been pretty frequent these last few months and I have used all but one day of my PTO and have half a year left. I presented my dilemma and my suggestions for trying to find a solution. She understands it, but is apprehensive to speak to her boss about it because of the flack she has taken in the past. I do understand that, but at this time I need some intervention on my work-life balance.

The Four Horsemen of Conflict

Our text outlines the Four Horsemen of Conflict, when these types of behaviors are occurring the ‘end’ of the relationship is near, (Wilmot & Hocker, 2014).

The Four Horsemen are as follows:

Criticizing: this indicates to the listener just how awful they are to you. It is an attention-getting way to turn the blame onto the person being communicated to. Unfortunately, this start leads to the next horseman…

Defensiveness: this indicates protection of oneself because they feel they are being attacked. It is somewhat of a natural instinct because if you feel...