Category: FAQ-Communication & Conflict
A lot of the conflict in our lives comes from HOW we communicate with others. Ineffective communication creates conflict even in situations where there is no real “conflict issue” or disagreement about a substantive issue. Poor communication causes hurt feelings, anger, frustration, and tends to erode relationships, sometimes to the point where the relationship is not fixable. Many times we call these situations personality conflicts, when in fact they are a result of poor communication.
Here’s the rundown on communication approaches that are guaranteed to create unnecessary conflict, and damage relationships at home and at work. They are based on the book, Conflict Prevention In The Workplace — Using Cooperative Communication, by Robert Bacal, but apply to communication and conflict in and out of work, and in intimate and family relationships.
Hot words and hot phrases create unnecessary conflict
Some words and phrases are so emotionally loaded for most people in a culture that they tend to create emotional conversations and feelings of upset and insult. Some are obvious, like the use of words such as racist, idiot, or…
What is Kitchen Sinking? Why is it problematic communication? Anger Provoking and Unfair
What is Kitchen Sinking? Kitchen sinking communication is familiar to most of us, since probably all of us have been on the receiving end of it. And unfortunately, most of us have used this destructive form of communication now and…
Innuendo – A Conflict Starter and A Cowardly Approach To Communication
Innuendo is defined as follows: A veiled or hinted reflection on the character or reputation of a person It falls into the category of passive-aggressive communication because a) it is indirect and b) it is usually used to insult or…
What is the command syntax problem (or use of the imperative)?
What do the following have in common? Take out the garbage Telephone Mr. Smith and get his order Fix the problem before you go home for the day Simple, really. These forms of language involve the use of the imperative,…
What is passive-aggressive behavior? A common but destructive communication approach
Passive aggressive communication is the term used to describe communication and behavior that is a) indirect and b) contains messages that are driven by negative emotions, maliciousness or are otherwise intended to attack someone. Passive aggressive communication is not limited…
What are statements of mistrust? Why do the damage relationships?
Mistrust statements are comments or questions that suggest to the other person that you mistrust them, orlack confidence in their abilities, integrity, behaviors or commitment. Whether your comments and questions are accurate and factual or not, when you use mistrust…
