Page 278 - Keys To Community College Success

get practical

CONFLICT PREVENTION STRATEGIES

Complete the following on paper or in digital format.
1. Name two ways to manage conflict and anger that seem effective to you.
2. Think of a conflict you were involved in over the past year—one that was not resolved well. Choose which of the
two listed strategies you believe would have helped you prevent it or at least manage it more effectively. Describe
the impact you think the strategy would have had on the situation. What might the other party’s reaction have been?
3. Now, ask yourself why the technique would have been beneficial. What issue in the conflict does this technique
address or improve?
4. Name two other situations in which this technique might prove useful. For each, describe how you think it
would play out.

Conflict resolution
All too often, people deal with conflict through avoidance (a passive tactic that shuts
down communication and may cause problems to fester and worsen) or escalation (an
aggressive tactic that often leads to fighting). Conflict resolution demands calm com-
munication, motivation, and careful thinking. Use analytical, creative, and practical
thinking skills to apply a problem-solving plan. Thinking through conflict using the
steps that a problem-solving plan provides will help you step back from it and focus on
the issue that underlies the anger.
Trying to calm anger is an important part of resolving conflict. All people get angry
at times—at people, events, and themselves. However, excessive anger can contaminate
relationships, stifle communication, and turn friends and family away.

Manage Anger
Strong emotions can get in the way of happiness and success. It is hard to concentrate
on American history when you are raging over a nasty email or a bad grade. Psycholo-
gists report that angry outbursts may actually make things worse. The first and most
important strategy for anger management is to take time before you react. Then, with
a cooler attitude, you can address the problem more productively. Here are some ways
to pause when you feel yourself losing control.
■ Try to calm down. Breathe slowly. Slowly repeat a phrase like “Relax” or
“Let it go.”
■ Change your environment. Take a break from what’s upsetting you. Take a walk,
go to the gym, or see a movie. Come up with a creative idea that will help you
settle down.
■ Think before you speak. When angry, people tend to say the first thing that comes
to mind, even if it’s hurtful. Instead, wait until you are in control before you say
something.
■ Problem solve. Instead of blowing up, analyze a challenging situation, make a plan,
9 and begin. Even if it doesn’t work, making the effort may help cool your anger.
CHAPTER 240 from a counselor. Many schools have mental health professionals available to students.
Finally, get help if you need it. If you can’t keep your anger in check, you may need help