One of the major benefits of this course is to provide you with information about interpersonal dynamics that underlie conflict management, much of which you most likely have not heard before. However, like with many things conflict management is both a skill to be learned, as well as an experience to be internalized.

Specifically, we cannot forget that conflict management involves real people engaging in real behaviors to resolve real problems. And at the center of this process will be you and some other person. As such, this is a good point in the course to stop for a moment and consider not only our own role in the conflict management process, but also the impact that process may have on ourselves as people.

So, for this assignment, please read the points highlighted in the “Personal Growth Exercise” on page 301 and then in your own words answer the following:

1. Think about your own personality, and more specifically the conscious and unconscious reactions you have experienced in the past regarding confrontation with others. You do NOT have to describe any confrontation situation that you have had in the past. Simply, think to yourself about how the situation influenced your attitude, perception, emotions, and decision making.

2. Next, describe what aspects of assertive confrontation in which you feel you are strongest, and which aspects you feel that you need to work on to become stronger. Please give just a brief explanation for each aspect you mention.

3. Last, using the suggestions described in the exercise on page 301 (or any others that you can think of that are not mentioned) discuss what specific things could you do to help develop your own ability and attitude necessary to effectively initiate and then manage an assertive confrontation with others.

Your response paper should be at minimum 500 words.

Grading:

1. Show insight into the key factors in the question (25 points),

2. Demonstrate your understanding of the concepts (25 points), and

3. How well you integrate those concepts into your responses (25 points).

In other words, generic, unfocused, or otherwise vague responses will not count. Your responses must be substantive, and show that you clearly put thought and effort into them.

You will lose points for incorrect grammar, spelling, and punctuation, so make sure that you proofread your responses before submitting.

Any instances of plagiarism or copying from online sources will result in automatic 0 for the assignment.