Enhancing Communication Skills, Research Paper Example

As human beings, we are bound to be in conflict with one another at any point in any relationship. This is a gesture of humanity, which is normal and healthy, and the conflict that arises is meant to strengthen the existing bond between employers and employees in a positive, respectful, and logical or positive manner. As such, when entering into a conflict situation, I have been able to grasp the knowledge and skills needed to resolve the conflict successfully. The four areas for attaining a successful conflict resolution includes being a quick study, resourcefulness, decisiveness, and doing whatever it takes. These elements are the ones used by employers for performance evaluation and thus, employers are able to define the performance of their employers (Sharpe & Johnson, 2002, p. 3). Physiologically speaking, we respond to conflicts by either “running away from the conflict” or “take on anyone who comes your way”. The collaborating mode of TKI (Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Mode Instrument) is the one I apply most in conflict situations that arise in my work environment. For instance, one time my team members were establishing initial parameters on how to effectively work together. With my collaborative mode of assessment, I was able to resolve the conflict through analyzing the input, active listening, identifying concerns, and nonthreatening confrontation. These collaborating skills are the ones that guide me through conflict resolution situations.

In any conflict situation, communication is the most fundamental area that needs to be enhanced in order to strengthen the existing bond between conflicting parties. It is noted that most conflicts in the organization that remain unresolved are those that have no proper channels of communication. Therefore, it is paramount for fighting or conflicting individuals to communicate with each other in order to resolve the situation that arises. For example, in a hospital setting, if a nurse happens to have challenges or concerns concerning the timetable or duty rooter for rounds, then the complainer should raise the issue to the correct channel. Having the right channel of communication minimizes the chances of having gossips round the health organization. This is a bad show to the patients and interferes with the normal operations of the health organization. In some instances, it also leads to poor performance and negative working environment that might cause nurses to make wrong evaluations on the progress of their patients. In my nursing career, I have faced varied types of personalities among patients and work colleagues, but my policy is enhanced communication (Haig, Sutton & Whittington, 2006). If a colleague of mine offends me, I go directly to him or her and we talk things through. This gesture has helped me in having a cordial working relationship with others and thus, I have strengthened the working relations and minimized the existing gaps of conflicts.

There are many behavioral skills that an individual can enhance through learning and sharing experiences in the work environment. As for me, the set of skills I intend to enhance include the act of learning how to let go of grudges, which is a skill of forgiveness. Forgiveness is a skill that I need to enhance because in my line of profession, I have mingled and interacted with many people from different cultures and backgrounds (Robyn, Jillian & Lester, 2006, p. 1070). Some of the patients irritate to the point of throwing insults at each other, which to me is lack of professionalism. In such instances, I have found it difficult to forgive such patients and if by chance our paths cross, I may be forced to give the patient a wrong misdiagnosis to repay for the wrong committed. This skill is essential in my life of career because it enhances my chances of having a cordial relationship with other members of the public. Furthermore, I need to learn how to humble myself to the point of asking others for change. This is an aspect that goes a long way in helping me attain my goal as a professional in the health care system. Change is something that is evident for any environment and thus, it is vital for me to embrace change because it has positive impacts that affect the teamwork in groups and sharing of knowledge and skills. This learning process is continuous and ascertains the level of maturity when it comes to dealing with diverse groups of individuals in the society. Lastly, understandings how the relationships affect conflict behavior goes a long way in enabling me understand the root cause of the conflict (Anita, Liu & Chiu, 2007). This will mean that I will be able to resolve the conflict in a professional manner that leads to reduced number of violence and exchange of words in a manner that is embarrassing and demoralizing. In addition, I should be able to increase my anger management skills. This is because most of the time I get into fights with patients and work colleague and has resulted in me being secluded by other workmates due to my anger. Anger is something I have fought with for long and has driven me to utter words that are negative and ruin the reputation of my company.

References

Anita, M.M., Liu, W.M. & Chiu, R.F. (2007). Enhancing commitment through work empowerment. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 14(16), 568 –580.

Haig, K.M., Sutton, S. & Whittington, J. (2006). SBAR: A Shared Mental Mode for Improving Communication Between Clinicians. Joint Commission Journal on Quality and Patient  Safety, 32(3), 167-175(9).

Robyn, O., Jillian, S. & Lester, J. (2006). Customer empowerment and relationship outcomes in healthcare consultations. European Journal of Marketing, 40(9/10): 1068 – 1086.

Sharpe, D. & Johnson, E. (2002). Managing Conflict with Your Boss. Center for Creative Leadership.