Nonviolent Communication and Conflict Management

About two years ago many sections of the Division of Education, Youth Affairs and Sport that were conducting business at several different buildings came together under one roof.  We now occupy a four storey building with limited parking space.  When plans were being made to have us relocated a meeting was held with the then Secretary of Education informing us of the pending changes.  I remembered asking the Secretary whether there is sufficient parking at the new building and I was told yes there are sufficient spaces for parking. 

Upon relocated we quickly realized that parking was a huge problem however, persons were able to secure spaces on a first come, first serve basis.  Shortly after, several spots were assigned to top management.  The latest situation is that areas in which parking could have been obtained are now being blocked off for company vehicles leaving many of us fending for spaces.  I was unaware of the latest development until I was informed by a worker.  When I enquired I was told that a memorandum was released debarring workers from parking in that area.  That   has left me very disappointed because no discussion took place on the issue.

In order to arrive at a reasonable solution debating the issue can be considered.  It is important that the cards be placed on the table and a variety of tactics be utilized to arrive at a solution.  They include probing.  Probing raises questions that allow for specific and precise answers (O’Hair & Wiemann, 2009).  It allows all parties to understand how each other feels with a view of arriving at cooperative conflict management.  For example, I could remind the audience of the assurance I was given in an open forum held at our previous site and discuss the hardship workers are experiencing on a daily basis in order to secure a safe park.  A compromise can also be suggested, in that, the Secretary of Education may decide to approach the owner of an adjacent piece of land with the hope of establishing an agreement so workers plight can be alleviated.

I enquired from two of my colleagues’ strategies they have learnt that have proven to be very effective in conflict resolution.  They noted that being a good listener goes a long way; restraint and exercising respect have also proven to be quite valuable.
Reference

O’Hair, D., Friedrich, G. W., & Dixon, L. D. (2011). Strategic communication in business and the professions. Boston, MA: Allyn & Bacon.