29 October 2012 Summit Blog:
Kay Honeycutt
This presentation could not have been better placed in our
schedule. Conflict will arise at some point in most situations; it’s
inevitable. Conflict in itself is not a bad thing as long as the individuals
involved know how to work together to get past it and, in the best
circumstances, learn something from it! Recently I have had to confront a
member of our project (Not a student member) about how a lack of communication
or even the method can cause confusion, and hard feelings. The last thing I
want to take away from this experience is anger or annoyance with anyone
evolved. I contacted the individual and as of now, the issue is out in the open
and attention has been called to it. It is hard to say whether or not it is
resolved – only time will tell. Lesson learned from this…. Even though texting
may be the easiest way to ensure immediate communication, it is NOT the best
way to approach any situation that may end negatively. Face to face should
always be attempted.
When dealing with a conflict I would have to say my
strongest communication strength is just not being afraid to confront the
situation. I don’t always jump right in and call it out; I consider the best
method for confrontation and to whom I should speak with. I always try to
consider how to word what I want to say and if something should come out wrong
I never hesitate to admit it and either apologize or reword it in a more
positive way.
My greatest weakness regarding conflict would have to be the
moments where I read too much into things or take too many things personally
when they are not meant to be taken that way. Example: while talking with one
of our advisers half the time the only response we get is “okay” or “thanks”.
It is completely possible that said individual could just be very busy. It is
also very possible that that person is not happy with the answers given and are
showing that in the response. Our contact with this adviser is mainly through
text thus making the tone of an answer impossible to know. I have a tendency to
automatically assume this individual is unhappy or upset with my responses and
I take it personally. I do this in many situations and it is very difficult. I
do realize when I do it and that makes it easier to stop myself and question whether
or not it is really something to fret about. If I can have a clear mind then I
am able to objectively consider the situation and confront it in the best way
if it is needed. This also aids in “picking your battles.” Too many people act
like the sky is falling every time anything happens. Thankfully I am not this
way too often and neither are the members in my group. Most of us are very easy
going and the communication is very open so we can decide as a group what is a
situation that needs to be discussed and how best to break it down and make
sure everyone gets something in the end.
As of this point in the semester, there have been no
communication issues within our group as far as students go. We all are very
open and considerate of the others and I love that about us! When issues do
arise (on topics from day to day life) there is always someone to get opinions
from and listen and I could not ask for anything better out of my group. One of
our girls had a very difficult situation recently and the three others spent
multiple conversations discussing how best to help her deal with and learn from
the experience and just be there for her in the end. We all were able to come
together and just be there for her. The situation was less than ideal but the
level of open communication has brought us even closer. (:
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