GN Commentary: January 25, 2010 - The Peacemaker

One of the most important principles of conflict resolution is to be assertive without being aggressive. This means that you have to able to voice your opinions and feelings without attacking the other person. 

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Video Transcript

In American West folklore the Colt .45 revolver was known as the "Peacemaker." 

Gunning down anyone who disagrees with you is a strange concept of peace, especially if you're the one getting shot.  

One of the most important principles of conflict resolution is to be assertive without being aggressive.  This means that you have to able to voice your opinions and feelings without attacking the other person. 

Let's say you feel like your spouse doesn't listen to your ideas.  Next time you're upset instead of saying something like "You know what your problem is..." Try starting your comment with, "Sometimes I feel like you don't really understand what I'm saying…"

You can still make your point without attacking the other person and increasing the level of conflict.  Wise King Solomon wrote, "He who guards his mouth preserves his life, but he who opens wide his lips shall have destruction"  (Proverbs 13:3).  

For GN Magazine, I'm Gary Petty.