Managing Conflict and Negotiating EffectivelyManaging conflict is something we experience every day as individuals. Conflict can arise at work, at school, at home and even within ourselves. What I think individuals struggle with and don't understand is how to effectively manage conflict or avoid it. I've always thought that everything isn't supposed to come together. Sometimes, to avoid problems, it's best to go with the flow as long as it's not a life-threatening situation. Most of the time, individuals think differently, act differently, and want different things in life and in an organization. When these differences arise, it is important to have a strong leader who can determine what is most important and what ideas will work best in the situation. Having someone on the outside looking in can sometimes help individuals come together and agree on something without conflict issues. What is conflict? Conflict is a natural disagreement resulting from individuals or groups who differ in their attitudes, beliefs, values ​​or needs. It can also stem from past rivalries and personality differences. Other causes of conflict include attempting to negotiate before the time is right or before the necessary information is available. (http://www.ctic.purdue.edu/KYW/Brochures/ManageConflict.html). Conflict refers to a process in which one party perceives that its interests are opposed or negatively affected by another party. This definition involves incompatible concerns between those involved and includes a variety of conflicting issues and events. Conflict management includes diagnostic processes, interpersonal styles, and negotiation strategies designed to avoid unnecessary conflict and reduce ...... middle of page ...... ms, identify and evaluate alternatives, express preferences openly and jointly reach a mutually acceptable solution. Four principles form the basis of an integrative negotiation strategy: separating people from the problem, focusing on interests not positions, inventing options for mutual gains, and insisting on the use of objective criteria. (Hellriegel & Slocum, p 308) In conclusion, I think that after reading this research paper, we should all have better knowledge on how to manage conflict, negotiate effectively and understand what conflict is . I never understood or knew that there were so many sides to conflict and different ways to deal with it. I have always viewed conflict as drama within myself or with others within and outside an organization. In future problems, I will use interpersonal conflict management strategies to resolve my conflict problems..