58 Chapter 2 Skills for Career Success
or elder abuse. If confl icts arise, one family member may attempt to
completely dominate another family member. Physical force is often
used, but emotional abuse can be equally devastating. Suicide also falls
into this category. A person may feel there is no way out and attempt
suicide.
Remember that violence does not solve a confl ict. Violence is costly
to society in terms of tax dollars spent on criminals in prisons. It is
also costly to people in terms of lowered self-worth and lost dignity in
addition to physical pain and suffering.
Always strive for positive resolutions of confl icts where differences
are settled peacefully and friendships and families are kept intact.
Confl ict resolution skills will benefi t you throughout your life as they
foster relationships, increase job productivity, and prevent violence.
Reading
Review
1. State three possible causes of confl ict.
2. Give an example of a negative reaction to confl ict and an example of
a positive reaction to confl ict.
3. Why are “I” messages more successful than “you” messages in
resolving confl icts?
4. Name the most ideal negotiation and compromise method.
5. List the steps in the confl ict resolution process.
6. Why is mediation sometimes needed to resolve confl icts?
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