Can you answer this question ?

Running head: RECONCILIATION PLAN 1
RECONCILIATION PLAN 2

Reconciliation Plan
Michael Whitener

Reconciliation Plan

1. Describe the material issues in this conflict.

The cause of conflict is the sexual aggression that Tim had against Laura on their happy hour excursion. Tim’s sexual advances to Laura made her apprehensive and aggressive towards Tim. Tim’s worry that Laura would expose him for what he did made him act aggressively towards Laura.
2. Describe the personal issues or offenses in this conflict.

Laura felt offended by Tim’s sexual advance. She felt very disrespected and was further annoyed by the behavior Tim showed in the workplace. She felt that he had no right to act in such a way after his behavior in the cab. Tim felt embarrassed when Laura rejected his sexual advances and was worried that she would expose him at the workplace, which would taint his reputation in the firm or, worse, get him fired. He, therefore, resulted in mistreating Laura in a bid to scare her from revealing what happened.
3. Write down everything you can think of that is noble, right, or admirable about the other person in this dispute, including good memories or ways God has blessed you through that person.

Both Laura and Tim are very talented employees. Laura may be new to the firm, but her work has been exceptional. She has managed to reach her targets on time, and her inputs to the team have been commendable. Tim, on the other hand, is an excellent team leader. The teams he has supervised have always been productive.
4. What rights, legally or morally, do you have in this situation?

Since I am in the senior management of this firm, I am tasked with overseeing employee performance and resolving conflicts. The conflict between Tim and Laura has affected their performance and made the work environment uncomfortable for other employees. As such, I must intervene and resolve this issue.
5. Which of the personal issues or offenses described can you overlook? Which of the material issues described can you give in on?

I cannot overlook any personal issues in this situation. The conflict is based on a sexual offense which is very sensitive since the company has a no-tolerance policy for sexual harassment among staff. The case is also very complicated since the conflict occurred in the social setting. I will have to address all the personal issues and ensure that each party is satisfied with the decision.
6. Which listening skills do you have a hard time with waiting, attending, clarifying, reflecting, or agreeing? Write down some things you will do or say to overcome these weaknesses.

I have a hard time reflecting. I find it hard to listen and feel empathetic with the other party during the conversation. I often prefer reflecting once we have completed the interaction. I will improve on this weakness by ensuring that as I talk to either Laura or Tim, I focus on the emotional aspect of the message. I will try to understand what emotions were evoked by the other’s actions. By understanding their emotions, I will be able to decide on the best way to resolve the conflict that all parties will accept.
7. How can you show that you are trying to believe the best about the other person (i.e., making charitable judgments)?

I can do so by listening to what they say and not criticizing their actions. Actively listening to them will show them that I want to understand where they come from and I am on their side. I can also do so by using positive and encouraging language while communicating with them. Using words of affirmation such as I understand you while talking to Laura or Tim will show them that I do not judge them and I am trying to believe in them.
8. Which worldly weapons have you been using, or are you tempted to use, in this situation?

I am tempted to use my authority as their supervisor to get them to end this conflict. I could use my authority to force them to hash out their disagreement and stop their aggressive behavior against each other.
9. Have you been using your tongue to bless your opponents or to speak critically of them? How could you breathe grace to them in the days ahead?

I have used my tongue to speak critically of the two. When I first saw that their performance was dropping due to the conflict, I was critical and wondered why they couldn’t talk over their issues like adults instead of being petty and being passive-aggressive towards each other. I was also very annoyed when their disagreement affected everyone in the workplace. I will breathe grace to them by being more understanding of their situation and less judgmental.
10. To whom can you turn for godly advice and encouragement?

My pastor has always been my source of godly advice. He is my spiritual mentor and has always guided me into making Christian decisions. I intend to ask for his guidance on how to handle this situation in a godly way.
11. What can you keep on doing in this situation that is right?

I can try to get the two parties to communicate with each other and hash out their differences. I can use reflective listening to understand their situation and try to get them to resolve their conflict. Resolving this conflict will ensure that both parties feel relieved of their hurt feelings and will boost their productivity and the productivity of their teams in general.
12. Would it be wiser to communicate in person, on the phone, or through a letter? Why?

Communicating in person will be the best for this situation. It will allow both parties to come to terms with their hurt feelings and understand the hurt that each has been going through. They will also express themselves more openly and find the cause of the disagreement, which is a crucial first step in the conflict resolution process.
13. Clearly articulate your plan for resolving this dispute over the next two weeks.

I will set up a meeting between Laura, Tim, and I to discuss their current conflict. I will act as the arbitrator in this conflict resolution. I will get them to express their hurt feelings towards each other in stages actively. Afterward, I will get them to apologize to each other and state what penance they believe the other party should conduct. I will then find the middle ground between their suggestions and go over their satisfaction with the decision, after which I will get them to reconcile by shaking hands and being cordial with each other. I believe two weeks will be enough to go through all these stages of conflict resolution.

References

Davis, K. (2013). Conflict communication. San Diego, CA: Cognella.
Sande, K. (2004). The peacemaker : a biblical guide to resolving personal conflict. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books.