Discuss some of the ways in which one can deal with relational ...

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Discuss some of the ways in which one can deal with relational differences in the workplace.
 
  What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

Carol approaches a coworker, shaking her head as she does so. With a frown on her face, she angrily asks, Did you finish the report yet? Describe the nonverbal communication in this situation.
 
  How does it impact the meaning of Carol's words.
  What will be an ideal response?

[Bsand8]

Answer to Question 1

Answer: Relational differences will not simply go away if you ignore them, so avoidance is not a recommended option. If you are involved in an affective conflictone that focuses on relationships or ego  you will need to address the emotional issues before you can productively discuss the content of your work. When you do have a personality conflict with someone, explore the ways that you can resolve it. Pick your battles, and argue only about things that make a real difference. Ask if you can meet to discuss the cause of the conflict, being sure to listen actively by focusing on content rather than personality issues. Paraphrasing may be helpful here, since by restating what you think the person is saying, you may get clarification on what he really means. The other person may also see how what he intended by his words is not how they were perceived by the listener. Use neutral rather than accusatory language, so as not to put the other person on the defensive or shut down the discussion altogether. Framing some of your comments in I language will focus on how you feel about the other person's behavior. This can open the other person's eyes to things he wasn't aware of and may help improve the situation.

Answer to Question 2

Answer: Nonverbal communication refers to messages that are conveyed through something other than words, like tone of voice, emphasis on words, facial expressions, gestures, body language, or other behavior. The question Did you finish the report yet? is direct but nonthreatening, if asked in a calm tone of voice with an indifferent expression on the face. When asked in an angry tone, with a frown, emphasizing the word yet, while shaking the head, it becomes much more inflammatory. The nonverbal cues suggest a tone of judgment that the report should have already been completed, as well as scorn and anger that this is not yet done.