Evelyn discussion post

1. Describe the outcomes of your “What’s Your Style Under Stress?” assessment. Define three concepts covered in the Crucial Conversations video that will help you improve your communication.  How will each of these concepts improve your communication?

Silence Score Breakdown: Masking: 2; Avoiding: 2; Withdrawing: 2. Most of the time, I avoid and withdraw myself from the situation when I do not see any positive outcome. Verbal Violence Score Breakdown : Controlling: 1; Labeling: 1; Attacking: 1. I rarely try to control or label a situation.

Three concepts covered in the Crucial Conversations video will help me improve communication are the following:

Mutual purpose is when individuals are conversing toward a common goal or outcome. Mutual respect is treating individuals with dignity and respect and recognizing and accepting their different inputs and values. I will start with establishing respect when dialogue occurs with others.

Ensuring mutual respect is shown will facilitate a dialogue, to continue. When an individual or myself feels defensiveness or agitated, mutual respect needs to be reinforced. Ensuring the needs of others are acknowledged will help facilitate a conversation and, with that, reach a mutual outcome.

Start with facts: Describing what is already known or proven. Starting with facts will help me describe what already exists with proof. Sharing facts with others will help me stay on track instead of focusing on or deviating to other areas. But with this, I must research and present information adequately. Encouraging others to share their facts is extremely important in a dialogue. Grenny et al. (2022) noted, “People openly and honestly express their opinions, share their feelings, and articulate their theories. They willingly and capably share their views, even when their ideas are controversial or unpopular” (p. 25). Encourage others to express what they think. Active listening will help to demonstrate that I care about their points of view and that their input matters.

2. What is the difference between bargaining and negotiating? How will applying the three Crucial Conversations concepts from the first answer help you to be a better negotiator?  Why?

Lewicki et al. (2021) noted, “Bargaining
 to describe the competitive, win-lose situations such as haggling over the price of an item… Negotiating
 refers to win-win situations such as when parties try to find mutually acceptable solutions to a complex conflict” (p. 3). Bargaining is a discussion between individuals to reach an agreement regarding prices or certain conditions where, most of the time, one individual wins and the other has been taken advantage of (loses). Negotiation is a discussion between individuals where the end goal is to reach an agreement where both parties benefit (win) from the situation.

1. The three concepts described above will help me be a better negotiator by treating the person with the same respect and dignity I would like to receive in return. Mutual purpose and mutual respect are essential when a conversation occurs—clearly understanding the purpose. Mutual purpose will benefit the two parties as long they know the purpose.

It is essential to do our due diligence when trying to negotiate. I must do my research and get educated on the subject. This will help me formulate and organize my thoughts. Presenting the facts acquired will facilitate a better negotiation by developing tools and knowledge that will help me stay alert and focused. Another important aspect of negotiation is understanding what I want from this conversation. What is the objective? Am I actively listening to the other individual I am trying to negotiate with? This is crucial when trying to negotiate, ensuring the other person is comfortable sharing and expressing what they want out of the negotiation. Abadi (2021) stated, “By using a systematic approach to enable crucial conversations, we can take attention away from the individual offering a diverse perspective and focus on the value proposition where it’s needed most: to solve an important problem” (para. 5). Learning, recognizing, and applying the concepts of crucial conversations will help me personally and professionally to be able to manage a conversation, regulate emotions, recognize others’ emotions, stay focused, stay focus on the facts, listen to others to reach a mutual agreement, and negotiate.

3. 1 Corinthians 10:24 states, “Let no one seek his own, but each one the other’s well-being” (
New King James Bible, 1979/1996). How does 1 Corinthians 10:24 relate to how we, as Christians, should communicate in negotiations and when involved in a crucial conversation?

1 Corinthians 10:24 relates to us as Christians that we need to seek each other’s well-being, not just our well-being and benefit. When negotiating, we should not take advantage of others. We must state the facts and outcomes for both parties to benefit the same way. We are in this world to help and serve others. We should not do anything out of selfishness and ambition but must look into the team’s interest. As we engage in negotiations, both sides must express their facts, listen to one another, and have a mutual purpose and respect to be able to negotiate. Proverbs  11:26 (NIV) says, “People curse the one who hoards grain, but they pray God’s blessings on the one who is willing to sell.” When negotiating, we must negotiate in a cooperative manner where everyone who is involved can benefit.

References:

Abadi S. (2021). Engaging in Crucial Conversations without Burning Bridges. The Canadian journal of hospital pharmacy, 74(2), 196.

Bible Gateway. New International Version. (2023). 
http://www.biblegateway.com
Links to an external site.

Grenny, J., Patterson, K., McMillan, R., Switzler, A., & Gregory, E. (2022; 2021;). Crucial conversations: Tools for talking when stakes are high (3rd ed.). McGraw-Hill Education.

Lewicki, R. J., Barry, B., & Saunders, D. M. (2021). Essentials of negotiation (7th ed.). McGraw-Hill Education.