CONFLICT BASICS
What is a conflict?
A disagreement or problem between two or more people.
What does it mean to communicate assertively?
Expressing your thoughts and feelings clearly and respectfully while also respecting the other person.
What does active listening mean?
Paying attention and making an effort to understand what the other person is saying.
What should you do FIRST when trying to resolve a conflict?
Calm yourself down and understand what the problem actually is.
A friend accidentally bumps into you and spills your drink. You immediately feel angry. What is a healthy first response?
Pause, take a breath, and determine whether it was actually intentional before reacting.
True or False: Conflict always means that someone is angry.
False.
Which is more effective during conflict:
A. “You ALWAYS do this!”
B. “I felt frustrated when this happened.”
Answer: B.
Name one way to show someone you're listening.
Eye contact, nodding, asking questions, paraphrasing, or not interrupting.
Name one healthy way to calm down before addressing a conflict.
Take deep breaths, take a break, go for a walk, count to ten, use grounding skills, etc.
Someone sends you a rude text message. What should you NOT do immediately?
Respond while angry, insult them back, or escalate the situation.
Name one reason conflicts happen.
Miscommunication, different opinions, misunderstandings, hurt feelings, different expectations, etc.
What is an “I statement”?
A way of expressing your feelings and needs without blaming the other person.
True or False: Listening means you have to agree with the other person.
False.
What is compromise?
Finding a solution where both people make some adjustments or give something up.
Your friend keeps interrupting you when you're talking. What could you say?
I feel frustrated when I'm interrupted. Can you let me finish what I'm saying?”
What is the difference between a disagreement and an argument?
A disagreement can involve different opinions without becoming hostile, while an argument may involve anger, raised voices, insults, or escalation.
Turn this statement into an “I statement”:
“You never listen to me!”
I feel frustrated when I don't feel heard.”
What is paraphrasing?
Restating what someone said in your own words to make sure you understood them.
Why is it important to consider the other person's perspective?
t can help you understand their feelings, motivations, and concerns and make it easier to find a solution.
You and a peer have completely different opinions about something. Neither of you wants to change your mind. What can you do?
Respectfully acknowledge that you disagree and move on without turning it into an argument.
Why can avoiding a conflict sometimes make the problem worse?
The issue may remain unresolved, resentment can build, and misunderstandings may continue.
Why can your tone of voice be just as important as your words?
Tone can communicate anger, sarcasm, disrespect, or calmness and can change how your message is received.
Someone says, “Nobody here cares about what I have to say.” What could you say to demonstrate active listening?
It sounds like you're feeling ignored or unheard. Did I understand that correctly?”
Two friends both want to use the same gaming console. What is one possible compromise?
Take turns, split the time, choose another activity together, or agree on a schedule.
You are extremely angry during a disagreement and feel like you're about to say something hurtful. What is the healthiest choice?
Take a break, regulate your emotions, and return to the conversation when you're calm enough to communicate respectfully.