My sister and I have been arguing back and forth about her enrolling into college. She feels as though college is a waste of time due to having to pay back student loans. She also feels that a degree does not guarantee the job of her choice. My argument is that furthering your education is beneficial. No one could ever take away the knowledge and skills you have enhanced. Although a degree does not guarantee a job, it does, however, allow you a greater opportunity to get a job.
I must admit, we have not communicated about this in a positive and polite manner.
Based on what I have learned this week, there are two strategies that I could use to help me manage our conflict:
1. Be compassionate.
2. Be respectful, reciprocal, and responsive.
Being compassionate while communicating with my sister will enable me to converse without the use of violence and hostile behaviors. My sister will not feel as though she is being targeted and blamed in any way. In addition, being a respectful and responsive communicator is essential in this case. Great listening skills and the use of positive body languages, eye contact, and gestures plays a major part and should not be displayed in a negative way. I believe my sister will feel more comfortable communicating with me if I am respectful and responsive. I also think that this will build a stronger bond between us. It is also important that our communication is reciprocal. I hope that my sister would return the respect and responsiveness during our interactions.
Colleagues, do you feel that this strategy will define me as a effective communicator? Do you think using effective communication skills will make my sister feel more comfortable and convince her to go to college? How have each of you learned to be more effective communicators as it relates to conflict resolution skills?
HI,
ReplyDeleteI also had a conflict with my sister. I think the strategies you chose will work. While reading, I was thinking that you should implement the 3 R's and 3 S Skills. Yes, I do think the strategies you chose will define you as an effective communicator. Yes, I do think that your sister will appreciate and respect you for approaching her in this manner. I am not sure if it will change her mind though. I have learned to be more effective by remaining positive and not letting negativity get in the way.
I think the strategies you have chosen will work. I like that you included body language in your post. I often remind myself that while my words may say one thing, it is possible that my body is saying another. I find it important to always validate how the other person is feeling by using respect and compassion for their point of view. I then take a deep breath and calmly express my point of view along with why I feel so strongly. I also feel like there are some times where there is no solution, and then I usually make the agreement to disagree. Thoughts?
ReplyDeleteI think the strategies you chose to implement will help you be a more effective communicator. I do not know if this will really change your sisters mind but it will help her hear more about what your saying instead of being completely against what you are saying. I feel that in an argument the person being targeted does not listen to the content rather they are fueled by the attack and tone. I think once she heard the pros to going to school she might consider going. Using these strategies will show your respect for her and help build a better relationship with her where she will respect you back. I have learned that the way you come off plays a huge role in communication. The tests we took last week proved that to me. I think using everything I have learned thus far has helped me stay positive and really think about others when communicating which has intern helped with more effective communication.
ReplyDeleteI think the strategies you have chosen will be helpful in how you communicate with your sister. I think these strategies will help her to hear your point of view a little better and receive what you are trying to communicate.
ReplyDeleteLatasha,
ReplyDeleteI can relate to the on-going arguments that you have with your sister. This is a discussion any responsible older sibling would have with the younger ones. I had similar discussions on the issue of moving their education forward with my younger sisters. The tone was right and we talked each of us sharing our views. In the end I was able to convince them that education is key to professional growth. All of them have or are furthering their education today in the field of their choice.