Skills associated with communication, facilitation, and building good working relationships can help us prevent situations from escalating to conflict or can assist us in managing or resolving conflict that does occur. C. Point out that we recognize that participants already possess skills in these areas and it is not our intent here to help them further develop these skills. Instead, the intent is to help them view these skills within the context of conflict resolution. Additional trainer notes will alert trainers to possible options. Communication behaviors often reflect conflict.
Communication is the vehicle for productive or destructive management and resolution of conflicts.
Therefore, understanding and improving our communication and interaction skills are essential to understanding and resolving conflicts. One place to start exploring the importance of communication skills is to look at basic communication problems and how they can lead to conflict. Parties are not speaking to be understood. At times we are not at the table to understand or negotiate with the other party but to posture to our own constituencies. We are not even trying to communicate with the other parties involved, but saying what we think our supporters want to hear.