Essay About Conflict Resolution And Eight Essential Steps

The Eight Essential Steps to Conflict Resolution
The Eight Essential Steps to Conflict Resolution

The book that I chose to read for my book review was, The Eight Essential Steps To
Conflict Resolution by Dr. Dudley Weeks. The reason I chose to read a book on conflict
resolution was to further improve my skills at avoiding and dealing with problems. Because I
feel that a person truly shows their character not when things are going well but when things
begin to go bad. And having the ability to deal with those problems strengthens one as a person.
Dudley Weeks, PH.D. is widely commended as one of the world’s leaders in conflict
resolution. He lives in Washington, D.C., has worked in over sixty countries and has counseled
thousands of businesses, families, and communities in the United States. Dr. Weeks has twice
been nominated for the Noble Peace Prize. Dr. Weeks is now teaching conflict resolution at the
American University School of International Service and gives workshops throughout the world.
Dr. Weeks basically tears conflict resolution into eight steps. The first step is to create an
effective atmosphere. The second step is to clarify perceptions. Third is focus on individual and
shared needs. Fourth is build shared positive power. Fifth is look to the future, then learn from
the past. Sixth is generate options. Seventh is develop “Doables.” And the last step is make
mutual benefit agreements. Dr. Weeks also touches on topics such as handling anger, dealing
with people who only want things their way, and dealing with conflicts that involve an injustice.
The first step is about Creating an Effective Atmosphere. Creating an effective
atmosphere is a very important step in the conflict resolution process. It is more likely for mutual
agreements be reached when the atmosphere is given careful consideration. When thinking about
atmosphere remember these ideas; personal preparation, timing, location, and lastly opening
statements. Personal preparation is doing all you can to ready yourself in positive ways to
approach issues honestly and openly. Timing means that choosing a time that is best for all
parties involved, a time in which no one is feeling pressed to move on or pressured in other ways.
Location suggests that where you meet is as important as when you meet, it is best to pick a place
where all parties can feel comfortable and at ease. Lastly Opening statement has to do with
trying to start out on a good note. Good openings are ones that let others know you are ready and
willing to approach conflict with a team-like attitude that focuses on positive ends. They should
also ensure the trust confidentiality of the parties involved.
Clarifying Perceptions being the second step has to do with clarifying individual
perceptions involved in the conflict. You can’t solve a problem if you don’t know what it is
about. First to be done, is sort conflict into parts. Then avoid “ghost conflicts,” get to the heart
of the matter and avoid side issues. Clarify what, if any, values are involved. Then recognize
that the parties involved need each other to be most effective. Finally, clarify your perceptions of
the other party by avoiding stereotyping, listening carefully, recognizing the other’s needs and
values, empathize by asking why they feel the way they do, and clear up misconceptions you may
have of them.
Step number three has to do with focusing on individual and shared needs. This section
points out that one needs to expand shared needs. Realize that you need one another in order to
successfully resolve conflicts. Be concerned