No matter the conflict that one is facing or the different types of personalities that one may be dealing with when facing the conflict; one must always look at one’s own participation when faced with conflict. Each problem will how conflict and personalities although complex, is in all parties interest to be resolved. The basic steps like the S-TLC; are quick simple guidelines to help continue the growth of conflict communication. Participants in the conflict may not always be successful and developing new patterns of behavior may at times be difficult due to the engraving that has taken place in developing each and everyone’s personality. If one is willing to acknowledge and recognize one’s own personality traits, participation in conflict, and implement skills then one may not perfect their conflict communication; but they will indeed progress in their communication and grow in time.

Before you go entering into yet another conflict situation take a look at these simple steps that may save you from some unnecessary resentments...

The S-TLC system seems to be one of the best approaches when confronted with any conflict; whether that is interpersonal, or work-related, with any type of personality. The acronym S-TLC stands for stop, think, listen, and communicate. Stop- The first step “stop” is the recognition of the existing conflict. During this step any emotional frustrations/tensions should be subdued, to maintain serenity, and to keep a clear mental mind. Think- The second step “Think” is the step where one needs to think prior to acting. This step may mean that the person needs not to take the message personally; or they may think of their and their partner’s goals, needs, and wants, pertaining to the situation (Cahn & Abigail 2007).

Listen- The third step “listen” involves the receiver practicing active listening. This means that instead of thinking of the next thing that’s going to be said, or a defense; the message that is being sent is being taken into account. Communicate- The final step “communicate” is when the decision is made that a message is going to be sent. Then it is communicated. Whether that is a physical, verbal, or non-verbal message will be up to the sender; consequences of each message should be taken into account (Cahn & Abigail 2007). This process would be highly affective during conflict due to the emotional restraint that an individual would need to put on  themselves prior to reacting to the presented conflict. This time would allow inner-directed, other-directed, and tradition-oriented personalities time to take appropriate action to their conflict.

Cahn, D.D., & Abigail, R.A. (2007). Managing conflict through communication (4th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc.

Communication organizations are available for both students and individuals that already have entered their career field; and are interested in expanding their communication knowledge. Communication organizations aid individuals in networking, job finding, and provide seminars for those interested. Some organizations have stipulations in order for you to join. Take a look at these five communication organizations that you may want to join.

1.) National Communication Association- founded in 1914 as the National Association of Academic Teachers of public speaking. “[M]embers [include] educators, practitioners, and students of the communication arts and sciences”. The NCA supports its members, professionally, and with research; who are scholars, teachers and practioners. There is an annual fee of $60 for a student to join. Benefits:

Recognition, Leadership and Networking Opportunities 

Interest Groups, Discussion Forums, Online Member Directory, Teaching, Research, and Service Awards, Association Leadership Opportunities,

National Convention and Other Events Annual Convention, Topical Conferences, Meetings and Events 

Publications Eleven Scholarly Journals, Spectra magazine, Communication Currents e-magazine, E-Newsletters,

Professional Development Resources Career Center, Career Navigation Support,

Teaching and Learning Support Extensive Instructional Resources, Student, Class, and Departmental Assessment Resources 

http://www.natcom.org

2.) The Association for Women in Communications- In 1909 the idea for a women’s journalism society was formed; by seven female students at the University of Washington Seattle, entering a colleges new journalism program, only the second of its kind. The AWC recognizes the need to network and make career moves across the communications field. Disciplines represented within the association include: print and broadcast journalism, television and radio production, film, advertising, public relations, marketing, graphic design, multi-media design, and photography. The list is continually growing as the profession expands into the newer media. The benefits of membership is to connect with other AWC members, to aid in the advancement of women across all communication fields, and to receive professional benefits from partners joined with AWC. New Graduate

Dues$34 per year;no application fee

Requirements:  open to women or men who graduated in the past year, and demonstrate a commitment to a communications career.  Only applicable to college graduates who have graduated in the past 12 months.  Graduation date and school name are required for validation.

Student

Dues$34 per year; no application fee

Requirements:  open to women or men working full-time toward a degree (undergraduate or graduate) and demonstrate a commitment to a communications career.  Expected graduation date and school name are required for validation.

http://www.womcom.org/AWC-Home.asp

3.) International Communication Association- “ICA is an academic association for scholars interested in the study, teaching, and application of all aspects of human and mediated communication”. Begginning an more than 50 years, the ICA now has more than 3,500 members in 65 countries. “Since 2003, ICA has been officially associated with the United Nations as a non-governmental association (NGO)”. Mission statement:… “The purposes of the Association are (1) to provide an international forum to enable the development, conduct, and critical evaluation of communication research; (2) to sustain a program of high quality scholarly publication and knowledge exchange; (3) to facilitate inclusiveness and debate among scholars from diverse national and cultural backgrounds and from multi-disciplinary perspectives on communication-related issues; and (4) to promote a wider public interest in, and visibility of, the theories, methods, findings and applications generated by research in communication and allied fields”. Fees: Student (all before Ph.D.) Learn more...            $75.

http://www.icahdq.org/

4.) Western State Communications Association-Founded in 1929, WSCA has over 1,000 members around the globe, and is a not-for-profit educational association of scholars, teachers, and students of communication. WSCA publishes the Western Journal of Communication and Communication Reports--as well as a newsletter, WSCA News. Student fee $25.00.

http://www.westcomm.org/

5.) The American Communications Association-   Founded in 1993 for the purpose of fostering scholarships for all areas of human communication, providing a voice for communication law and policy, providing evaluation and academic certification, promoting excellence in the teaching of communication. “The ACA is a not-for-profit virtual professional association with actual presence in the world of communication scholars and practitioners”. The ACA offers a technologically supportive venue for individuals who study the ways in which we communicate. “ACA is committed to enabling the effective use of new and evolving technologies to facilitate communication instruction, research and criticism…, it is a virtual organization that welcomes participation from academics and professionals throughout the world”. ACA peer reviewed journal can be found at: http://www.ac-journal.org/ and there online speech textbook: http://textcommons.org/. Currently free membership.

http://www.americancomm.org/

    Each organization appears to be helpful with aiding aspiring Communication students. The fees appear to be reasonable, and each site offers an area where an individual can look at jobs that are currently offered in the communications field. If I were to choose an organization to join it would be the WSCA or the ICA. The WSCA would be helpful for me because I am currently living in the West, but I often dream about international travels and the ICA appears to be a good place to network, if in the future I am ever able to make that life change.

I'm not sure how many times that I have been asked, what can you do with a degree in Communications? Excuse me while I reiterate. Communication is used in every aspect of our lives. Everyday that we wake up we are using communication skills. Let's say we decide to enjoy our day off, kick back at home, and watch some television. Well we are not escaping communication there either. We are actively practicing in a communication process there as well- whether we want to or not, due to the different channels that communication can take place on; no, not the channels on the television, but the communication channels. Well in order to avoid going through unnecessary explanation for this particular subject here are five CAREER choices for one interested in a Communication Major.

Advertising: A career in advertising can require planning, directing, and coordinating programs and policies. It may also involve an individual to be creative in producing materials for posters, contests, coupons, or give-aways; so that consumers can become interested in purchasing the product, an organization, or entering into a business account. National the estimated annual wage for this occupation is $43,270-$135,930. There is an expectant growth of 14% for careers in this field, between 2010 and 2020. A bachelor’s degree is required and at least 1-5yrs. experience in a related field.

Editors: Editors are generally required to have a bachelor’s degree in communication, journalism, or English. If wanting to deal with a specific subject matter experience in that field is desired. For example, if desiring to be a fashion editor-work experience in fashion or formal training is encouraged. Editors need to have skills in using computers and communication devices-in relation to the online side of publication. “Familiarity with electronic publishing, graphics, Web design, and multimedia production is important as well, because more and more material is being read online”(Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2012-1013). Annual wages range from $29,340-$104,660. There is little to no change of employment expected from 2010-2020.

Writers and Authors: In this field you are required to develop original work for advertisements, books, magazines, movie and television scripts, songs, and online publications. Writers and authors can work from wherever they have access to a computer. Generally writers and authors work full time; but if self-employed, freelance writers work part time or have variable schedules. If wanting to obtain a salaried position a bachelor’s degree is required. Being proficient with computers is needed due to the need to stay in touch with assignments, sources, and editors. Annual wages range from $27,220-$117,860. There is a 6% projected growth from 2010-2020 and a lot of competition due to this highly desired career.

Interpreters and Translators: “Interpreters and translators are required to convert information from one language to another. Interpreters work in spoken[,]or sign language” (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2012-1013). Translators work in written language. Interpreters work in environments such as: schools, hospitals, courtrooms, and conference centers. Translators generally work from home; and both interpreters and translators that are self-employed usually have varied schedules. Typically a bachelor’s degree is needed along with being fluent in English and one other language. There is a 42% job growth projected from 2010-2020, mostly due to the amount of non-English speakers. Annual wages for this field ranges from $23,570-$91,800.

Speech-Language Pathologist: The career I’m interested in is Speech-Language Pathology. The education needed for this career field is a Master’s degree. There is currently is no specific undergraduate degree required for admission, but specific courses must be taken prior to entering a Master’s degree program. “The Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA), part of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, accredits education programs in speech-language pathology. In 2010, the CAA accredited 253 master’s degree programs in speech-language pathology. Speech-language pathologists must be licensed in almost all states. A license requires at least a master’s degree and supervised clinical experience. Some states require graduation from an accredited program to get a license. For specific requirements, contact your state’s medical or health licensure board. Speech-language pathologists can earn the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP) offered by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Certification satisfies some or all of the requirements for licensure and may be required by some employers” (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2012-1013). There is a projected 23% job increase from 2010-2020, as the baby boomer population ages there will be more conditions effecting language. Annual wages range from $44, 380-$107,650.

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-13 Edition, Advertising, Promotions, and Marketing Managers, on the Internet at

In the book Managing Conflict Through Communication, it is explained that there are six ways of managing conflict. It includes:

1. preparation- which involves defining the problem, needs or issues.
2. Communicating Need- communicating your need to discuss the situation with the receiver.
3. Communicating Problem- communicating the problem.
4. Listening and Empathizing- listening and empathizing with the viewpoint of the messenger.
5. Agreement- come to a mutual agreement with the receiver.
6. Reevaluation- the sender is to reevaluate the agreed upon solution at a set time/date. 

Just think of these steps like baking a cake. If you skip a step it may not come out the same way. But unlike a cake that may taste good. Unresolved conflict can be bitter every time....


Cahn, D.D., & Abigail, R.A. (2007). Managing conflict through communication (4th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc.

        Who's first approach to conflict has been a not so great experience? Conflict can have productive results when at least one party communicating is willing to begin a positive communicating effort. Positive results can come from conflict due to the amount people can learn from one another when they stop trying to change another beings opinion about a topic and begin to listen and learn where that individual is coming from with his/ her views of the topic. In order to effectively manage conflict a person must be willing to hone in on their active listening skills as well as their positive conflict managing skills.

        Many people may have a negative view of conflict due to the negative energy that can surround conflict. Emotions like fear, anger, and sadness can take place during conflict which can make an individual feel attacked, misunderstood, etc. A person may be able to begin seeing conflict in a positive manner when he/she takes a look at how they’re currently handling conflict. After identifying how conflict is being handled maybe one can look at certain triggers that cause emotions to run haywire. From there an individual can learn new ways of conflict communication then begin application. I believe that after applying the new ways of conflict communication one would start to see the positive results in their communication.

Now you may be thinking, sounds easier than it's done, and you may be correct. If you're anything like me undoing some learned habits can be a difficult task. The first step is to become willing to apply some new techniques. Once you're willing than just start putting some conflict techniques into practice every chance you get. Conflict can sound scary, but just remember that through conflict we can learn to grow.

    When dealing with complaints in regards to an employees’, work performance, who has worked for a company for approximately two years; there are a few steps one may want to take into account prior to speaking to him/her. The first step would be to make sure appropriate research has been done in regards to work performance (eg. adequate number of complaints from coworkers or customers). The second step is to realize that certain responses may appear, for example the employee may be stresses and/or angered he/she may become aggressive. In this case the employee has displayed confrontational behavior in the past, so chances are that when being approached with an ultimatum, the same communication habits may appear. Last, we must remember to use preventative facework.

    Why is this employee displaying confrontational behavior and performing at a substandard level in the workplace? One cause could be stress and anger. Stress and anger can be impediments to solving problems; because stress and anger, when not clearly assessed, can become an obstacle in the communication process. Stress and anger at times can alter the message one may be trying to send. This distortion can hyper escalate the message in a negative manner for the receiver, due to the amount of perceived tension it can cause. Stress and anger can also block an individual's ability and willingness to listen to what is being communicated to them; which can cause the receiver to only hear parts of a message. Possibly concentrating on parts of a message that may explain/rationalize the receiver’s response, which can be harmful to the communication process.

UNDERSTANDING ANGER
   
    Although anger can be seen as impediments to solving problems anger can also be a sign for underlying issues. “Stevens suggests that anger is caused by a perceived loss of control such as  getting someplace on time or receiving unfair treatment from others. Not getting what we want is frustrating. According to Hocker and Wilmot, the primary emotion is the fear that occurs when our personal security is threatened or our self-esteem is attacked. Some psychologists claim that anger and hostility are cover-ups for insecurity, loss, and sadness. If we are angry at or with someone, we feel more righteous about our emotions, and it is easier for us to lay the responsibility at the other person’s feet, than if we say, “I fear …” or “I am disappointed.” Anger protects us; admitting our fears or disappointments may make us feel vulnerable” (Cahn & Abigail 2007). It is important for individuals to assess what they are stressed or angered about in order to communicate successfully.

WORKPLACE BULLYING   

    Another cause could be Workplace bullying.  Bullying is an act in which an individual perceives that he/she has more power than another individual. Bullies are aggressive, passive aggressive, or both who often display behaviors that can be seen as “manipulative, divisive and vindictive"( Cahn, & Abigail, 2007). Bullies tend to act this way towards others due to a goal of making themselves feel better. Individuals that are subject to being targets of bullying tend to attempt to avoid the conflict by isolation and very rarely some victims would lash out; which in turn may escalate the conflict. Victims of bullying may be affected two times over, due to individuals becoming down on themselves (e.g re-victimizing themselves).

DISCUSSING THE TOPIC WITH THE EMPLOYEE

    When discussing the topic one needs to refrain from threatening-maintain a normal tone. Allow for the employee to explain his/her actions. Once the underlying issue of what the cause of the behavior is discussed this may be a good time to enforce the regulations of the workplace and clearly state that you (as the department manager) are willing to work with creating a harmonious work environment for all employees. Mentioning that the employee can speak to you about any issues that are arising would be helpful as well.  When you’re speaking to the employee you want to practice preventative facework. “One way to use preventive facework is to try to see the situation from the other’s perspective—how the issue affects the other and the other’s self-image” (Cahn, & Abigail, 2007). One may want to employ communication practices by minimizing threats to face. Lastly, communication practices, such as, politeness and disclaimers can be added in order minimize the threats to face prior to it happening. One example that could be used in this situation is “Credentialing: indicating you have good reasons and appropriate qualifications for the statement you intend to make. “I am your department manager and I care about your success, so I want to say …”(Cahn, & Abigail, 2007).

    Remember that conflict is normal and without it we cannot grow-keep in mind why this employee was hired in the first place, be clear that your goal as the department manager is to keep team work alive and maintain a high level of customer satisfaction. Do not threaten and be open to the communication process.


References

Cahn, D.D., & Abigail, R.A. (2007). Managing conflict through communication (4th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc

    Our media is able to link us to one-another allowing us to be a part of an exchange of information. Today we have the option of filtering out, on a wider scale, where we receive and exchange that information. All types of individuals in many different walks of life are able to be a part of that exchange. Whether or not the mass media exchanges are having a positive or negative effect on our lives, will be a question only the future can answer. Some may believe that we have made the world a bit smaller and are able to find more of a connection; while others may find it dividing us even more. Maybe we will find ourselves struggling with trying to find quiet time, peace, and serenity in our new evermore digital world.

    Tackling social media for some, like me, can be an intimidating endeavor. Social media includes: facebook, twitter, YouTube, linkedIn, blogs, etc.; it is a form of media where people are able to interact, sharing and discussing numerous amount of topics. Topics can vary from personal to business related. Individuals share pictures, videos, audio, and written forms. “At these Web sites, individuals and groups create and exchange content and engage in person-to-person conversations” (Curtis, 2013). It’s truly eye opening when becoming more involved in social media, because of the amount of information that can be found through others personal experiences.

A LITTLE SOCIAL MEDIA HISTORY

    In 2003 “ LinkedIn was started as a business-oriented social networking site for professionals... [In 2005] Bebo, an acronym for Blog Early, Blog Often, was started as another social networking website. Facebook launched a version for high school students. YouTube began storing and retrieving videos. MySpace was the most popular social networking site in the U.S. However, based on monthly unique visitors, Facebook would take away that lead later, in 2008. Twitter was launched as a social networking and microblogging site, enabling members to send and receive 140-character messages called tweets. Facebook membership was expanded and opened to anyone over age 13... [In 2012 ]More than half of adults 25-34 use social media at the office. Almost a third of young adults 18-24 use social media in the bathroom. All use social networks to stay connected with acquaintances, be informed and be amused” (Curtis, 2013).

    Of course social media is not all glory and no shame. We are experiencing a sensory overload of irreversible communication. At any point in our daily lives we are subjected to being recorded and/or filmed with or without our knowledge or consent. With that in mind this would definitely be the time to hone in on our communication skills.

PRINT MEDIA: A THING OF THE PAST?

    Shredding evidence may now be a thing of the past. Print media includes newspapers, magazines, etc. “Newspaper reading is also a way to search out mundane information; people look to see what’s on sale at the local department store or what’s playing at the nearest movie theater. As much as 60 percent of a newspaper may be devoted to ads. Readers don’t complain, because the ads provide them with needed information”(Trenholm, 2011). Reading the newspaper is a way for people to stay informed. In order to keep people interested in the reading the newspaper, “news worthy” story that are considered entertaining to the majority should be printed.

    Yesterday I was reading the newspaper and the wind was blowing so hard, making it difficult, almost impossible to complete my reading comfortably. Luckily with many newspapers offering a digital version of their paper, this problem can be avoided. “Financial viability for newspapers and most magazines, at least for now, requires retaining as many existing print readers as possible. Yet the trends are clear: people, especially the young, are turning to the Internet for more and more of their news” (Grabowicz, 2013).

    Magazines unlike newspapers provide people with an insight to the world of who they could be. “The typical magazine is written to attract young, middle-class, reasonably well-educated readers, the people demographic analyses show are heavy purchasers. To make any further generalizations about readers is difficult, however, because magazines tend to specialize” (Trenholm, 2011). Differing from newspapers, magazines are targeting a specific demographic in society.

    Trying to relate to popular magazines can be difficult at times not only because they tend to give unrealistic views of the type of people we desire to be, or the type of things we should have. It can also be difficult if your skin color is a part of the minority. A few models that were able to be represented for the African American community between 1950-1980 were: Dorothea Towles, 1950, Sara Lou Harris, 1954, Donyale Luna, 1967, Naomi Sims, 1971, Pat Cleveland, 1973, Beverly Johnson, 1974, Iman, 1975, Mounia, 1978, and Grace Jones, 1980 ("The history of," 2013). I have to say, personally, it’s great to be able to see your ethnicity represented to the world. Makes it feel as though I am a part of my community.

TV,  RADIO, AND NOISE OH MY!!!

    Television one of the most popular forms of media can have as many as 100 million viewers, on any given night, when a television special is aired. The audience varies from different ages, social classes, backgrounds, and interests. Topics can include anything from documentaries, reality TV, to meal preparation shows. People look toward this form of media for entertainment. Advertisers spend a lot of money in order to advertise to consumers in a television format.

    Radio is considered to be a form of “old media”, which “refers to traditional one-to-many forms of mediated communication” (Trenholm, 2011). Radio, similar to the newspaper provides individuals with information on some stations and also entertainment on others. Some stations combine both entertainment and information. This type of media is able to reach a massive diverse audience- separating themselves by one-another and by stations airing topics.

    Today television and radio can be seen and/or, pretty much, anywhere we go. Along with being able to be entertained at a moment’s notice; we have to make a sacrifice, and that sacrifice is being subjected to advertisements more often. I’m, not sure how everyone else is doing; but I myself am now used to having multiple amounts of media playing at the same time. For example, my television can be on, but muted, my laptop can be playing music, and at the same time I can be searching for entertainment or working on a project. Silence may now be a thing of the past….

BE WARY OF YOUR MESSAGES

    With all of our media options available to us we must now be more prepared when communicating with each other; keeping in mind that what we decide to communicate is now viewable by many, around the world, for the foreseeable future. So now, more than ever, being able to identify what type of communicator we are and the type of messages we’re sending may be of the up-most importance. Otherwise we need to be prepared to face our receivers (societies) opinion. 



References

Curtis, D. A. (2013). the brief history of social media: Where people interact freely, sharing and discussing information about their lives.. Retrieved from http://www.uncp.edu/home/acurtis

Grabowicz, P. (2013, October 02). The transition to digital journalism. Retrieved from http://multimedia.journalism.berkeley.edu/tutorials/digital-transform/print-and-broadcast-news-vs-internet/

The history of black models. (2013). Retrieved from http://living.msn.com/style-beauty/celebrity-style/the-history-of-black-models

Trenholm, S. (2011). Thinking through communication: An introduction to the study of human communication (6th ed.). Boston: Pearson Education