Solutions to an interpersonal conflict

I shall describe an interpersonal conflict situation that happened during a backpacking trip in Europe. A (female) and B (male) were two university students who were assigned exchange programme places at the same foreign university in Europe. Both of them only got to know each other two months before the start of their exchange programme. They contacted each other usually via email and rarely met face to face to develop a better understanding of each other personality. As this was the first trip for A and B to Europe, both of them hoped to visit some of the famous monuments and cities in Europe. Thus, they decided to embark on a month-long backpacking trip before the start of the autumn term.

On the second day of the trip, A suddenly told B not to follow her anymore in a furious tone before storming away. B was totally stunned and totally puzzled of A’s unexpected reaction. On the first day of the trip, A took a more proactive role. She was always reading off the map to find directions to different destinations – train station, hostel or places of interest etc. When in doubt, A would take the initiatives to seek directions from the locals. However, B took a more “backseat” role. He would just tag along with A and was more engrossed in taking photos. The sudden irate reaction by A was probably triggered by B “laid-back” attitude – not volunteering himself to seek out for directions.

Thus, what would be the appropriate actions that B could carry out so as to resolve this unpleasant interpersonal Conflict?

Importance of effective communication

Effective communication skills are valuable tools especially in situations where there are constant needs for interactions. Being tactful and mindful of our speech, we can avoid unnecessary misunderstanding with other individuals. As active listeners, we are more likely to understand the needs of the other party. Thus, these skills enable good relationships to be fostered and maintained.

In project work where teamwork and cooperation are key ingredients to success, effective communication skills act as catalyst to hasten the process. This is because ideas and suggestions can be shared quickly among group members, enabling the group to come to an agreement quickly. In addition, instructions can be disseminated accurately between the leader and the members. These factors allow the project to be completed hastily. The importance of these skills can also be utilized in other activities. For instance, in team sports events like soccer, swift “communication” between players is one of the crucial factors for a victory. However, the hastening effect of effective communication skills is applicable only if each of the team members is cooperative enough to contribute his or her parts. I remembered doing a project for a module titled “Remote sensing” with a fyp(final year project) history student. He did not complete the part that he was assigned to do. Instead, he just kept on assuring me and my friend that he would complete his part and always stressed that he was bogged down with his fyp. In the end, I and my friend had to help him to complete his part.

Besides, effective Communication skills are essential during travelling. Wandering in foreign places where we hardly speak or understand the local language, non-verbal communication skills such as hand signs may be helpful when we want to clear our doubts or ask for directions. In addition, as we are aware of the local customs and practice, we are less likely to do actions that offend them. I do feel that effective communication skills are important during travelling. During my secondary school geography trip to New Zealand, I encountered an embarrassing situation. I was unaware that the mode of greeting by the Maoris is by the rubbing of noses. Thus, I was momentarily stunned when a maori warrior came really close to me. In the end, he had to press my head so as to commence the nose rubbing action. On another trip to a small town in Austria, I had a difficult time communicating with locals. This is because the majority of the dwellers are elderly who speak only German. Fortunately, I am able to ask for directions by showing them a tourist map, the name of the place of attraction and also by using basic hand signs for going “straight”, “left” or “right”.

Lastly, effective communication skills are lifesaving tools in situations of emergency. For example, if we discover a bomb in a bus, the damages are reduced if we can convey what we discover quickly to the police.