Charance Wright
MC301 Contributor
Conflict management, a timeless topic among college students, was the focus of a workshop held at Jackson State University on Jan. 22 in the Student Center.
The workshop, sponsored by the Center for Student Engagement and Inclusion, was designed to assist students in identifying the types of comments and behaviors that are “hot buttons” for them as student leaders. They also discussed the pros and cons of their typical reaction when they feel triggered and explored ways to de-escalate conflict situations when they encounter them.
Matthew Taylor, an attorney with 15 years of experience and JSU General Counsel, led the discussion for the Conflict Management Series.
“What is the definition of a conflict?” was the question Taylor posed to the students in attendance.
Derrick Campbell, a sophomore political science major from Chicago, Ill., responded that conflict is when you do not agree with someone or dislike what someone is saying.
Taylor, impressed with Campbell’s response, then asked for an example of a conflict.
Michael Gorden, a sophomore mass communications major from Atlanta Ga., stated that the disagreement between Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X was a conflict.
“Although Martin Luther King and Malcom X both were both civil rights leaders, they had different views about how they should go about getting freedom,’’ said Gorden.
Taylor used Gorden’s example to show the students the root of conflict.
“Conflict will always be here. Everyone has their one opinion and has the right to express that opinion. I want you students to understand that it’s not about the conflict, but it’s how you handle the conflict. Dr. King and Malcom X had different opinions but they still respected each other’s beliefs,’’ said Taylor.
Rhonda Freeman, a JSU employee attending the forum, asked about strategies for dealing with conflict in the workplace.
“It’s easier said than done. I personally try my best to avoid conflict but sometimes I feel if I don’t say anything people won’t take me serious on the job,’’ said Freeman.
Taylor explained to Freeman that whenever someone deals with people, you have to always compromise.
“Instead of looking at conflict as a negative, focus on what the opposite side is trying to point out to you or the company,” said Taylor. “You always want to strive to learn and grow from each conflict you face. That’s the only way you’re going to grow as a person by experiencing new ideas that are not comfortable to you.’’
He added: “Conflict is something we can’t avoid but it is something that we as a people must learn to grow from. If we learn how to simply deal with conflict management, we would see a great deal of improvement with our nation.”
The CEO Series is a leadership development component for clubs and organizations coordinated by Tinna Holt in the CSEI. More than 60 student leaders and campus organization representatives attended. Another session will be held later in the semester.
