We live in a world that is rife with conflict. Tension between individuals, organizations, and countries continue to wage on. Disagreements on issues that threaten belief systems, goals, or values are constantly stirring. While there are numerous approaches to managing and resolving conflict such as domination, inaction, withdrawal, or negotiation, … [Read more...]
Resolving Everyday Conflict
"A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." (Proverbs 15:1) As individuals with different needs, ideas, beliefs, values, and goals, conflict is an unavoidable and complicated phenomenon. While there are numerous definitions and explanations of conflict, I suggest that conflict occurs where there is an absence of … [Read more...]
Jesus, the Master Communicator
Communication is an integral part of our existence as social beings. The exchange of information is a perpetual force on our daily lives. While there are numerous methods, the bottom line is that communication is more than the exchange of information; it is a powerful tool with the capacity to change how people perceive, think, and … [Read more...]
Communication Blockers
What exasperated adult dealing with children has not demanded, “Look at me, WHY DID YOU DO THAT?” The response: downcast eyes, no answer or at best a mumble, “I don’t know.” Although the adult may feel smug about having gotten his/her point across (the act was stupid or totally out of place), the child leaves feeling humiliated, defenseless and … [Read more...]
Five Levels of Communication
As a young pastor in a new church assignment I was in a dilemma - how to deal with my wounded pride? Do I accept the (what I thought) unfair criticism or set the guy straight? Riding in the car with one of my church elders, the conversation turned to church work. Being only slightly older than I, we had become friends, and in the course of our … [Read more...]