The Office of Student Conflict Resolution helps students navigate conflict in a peaceful, socially just, and self-reflexive manner. OSCR offers a number of conflict resolution pathways and approaches that are educationally focused, student-driven, community owned, and restorative in nature, which are adaptable to meet the needs of individuals experiencing conflict. Here OSCR presents you some tips on how to communicate respectfully.
CLARA is a useful listening tool to use when talking with others, and can help in understanding others’ positions and interests with the situation at hand. Someone’s position might be what they state that they want. But their interest is why they want this and the motivation behind it. In conflict, you might feel like you disagree on the other person’s positions and that you have different desires. However, through active listening, you might find that the interests may be the same. The CLARA method can be used to help in this process:
- C- Remain CALM and CENTERED before engaging in listening.
- L- LISTEN with the intent to understand, not to respond. Listen for the cultural values, emotions, and issues behind what is being said– listen for their interests.
- A- AFFIRM and ACKNOWLEDGE the feelings and emotions shared, even if you do not agree.
- R- RESPOND and REFLECT back what you are hearing. Respond to issues that were raised, ask questions to clarify underlying needs.
- A- ADD information to the conversation. After seeking to understand, seek to be understood. IF you disagree with their position, you can share this now.
If you want to learn more about CLARA or other conflict resolution services, please contact OSCR.