Question

Danny doesn't want to play football with Sam. Sam comes on the playground and takes the ball from the players.
Danny and the other players run after Sam. Sam throws the ball to the other yard. Danny starts calling Sam names. Danny and Sam start to fight.

Which steps of Effective Conflict Management would have resulted in a constructive conflict between Danny and Sam instead of a deconstructive conflict?
a.
focus on position, explain reasons, stay emotionally uninvolved, agree on a solution
b.
manage situation, focus on past, express all emotions, explain needs
c.
control emotions, listen, understand goals, focus on problem, agree on a solution
d.
explain your position, give reasons, focus on problem, decide on a situation

Answer 1

c.

Controlling emotions, listening, understanding each other's goals/interests, focusing on the problem (not personal attacks), and agreeing on a solution are the core steps that lead to constructive conflict resolution. For example: Danny calms down, asks why Sam took the ball, listens to Sam's side, explains his needs, and they agree on taking turns or asking before taking the ball.