CONFLICT RESOLUTION

by David Nuttle

The U. S. Congress is divided and mostly dysfunctional due to members not being skilled or well experienced in conflict resolution. It seems we may need to require members to take a course to help develop these skills using the following means:

a) Employ direct expression, open communications, active listening, and empathy.

b) Focus on problems, not people, and be willing to negotiate & compromise.

c) Establish collaborations, mediations, and facilitation using self-regulation.

d) Plan, create boundaries, and follow through acting quickly while being most positive.

e) Reflect, learn, be accommodating, and seek to avoid conflicts.

Now that a few members of Congress are radicals, communists, jihadists, or seekers of personal gain, plans and actions are needed to keep them from sabotaging any negotiation.

Our Republic may not long survive a highly dysfunctional Congress!!