Communication is a skill that needs to be developed just like any other skill.
It appears that some people are able to master the art of communication very easily while others seem to have a challenging time. Even if a person belongs to the latter group, it is still possible for the individual to learn to share their thoughts in a pleasant and respectful manner in order to communicate effectively. Ronald R. Sims (Organizational Behavior, 2002) states that “communication is the sharing of information between two or more individuals or groups to reach a common understanding.”
If we are having difficulty helping IFPS families to resolve conflict because we lack good communication, we need to ask ourselves, “Could we improve our communication skills?” It is imperative to know that communication is a vital tool that can help us to understand one another, why others make the decision they do, or perhaps making just a simple statement.
How can we develop mature communication skills?
First, we must have good self-control. Second, we will need to try to see the other person’s viewpoint. Third, we need to seek clarification.
Good communication does not mean saying everything that we are thinking and feeling, especially if we are angry. Good communication helps us establish and maintain peaceful relationships. If we work hard to do what we can to improve our relationships with others, it can improve our communication with them.
So, when it comes to resolving conflict through good communication, why not try the following:
- Contribute to open communication.
- Reach out to others with sincere kind acts.
- Find opportunities to help and give a gift from the heart.
- Think about the problem prior to taking action.
- Avoid personalizing the situation.
- Seek to understand the situation.
We must remember that “every interaction is an intervention.”
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Posted by Moneefah D. Jackson