OGL 340 Module 6 Final Leo Figlinski

Reflections

Prompt #1: In Module 1, you watched "Invictus," a clip from the movie "Gandhi," and a 60
Minute Segment on Mindfulness. The idea was to have you look at attitude and a mental model
about conflict, review the attitudes of two powerful leaders, and consider your own approach to
conflict. Did this Module help set a foundation upon which to develop the rest of the course?
What worked and did not work?
For me, the first module was something that showed me what I was dipping my feet into.
I knew of most of what was talked about, but I never gave it a thought to the general basis of it
all. The movie “Invictus” I thought would have been boring but, it was more eye opening how
someone so disliked would be able to turn the tables around and at the end be that person
everyone looked up to. With the “Gandhi” clip. It really goes to show how others should not just
assume things about people just based on their beliefs. The message that was presented there
really showed a true way of turning the man's tables to be able to go to haven. There was not a
thing in the module that I believe did not work. I believed everything all had a direct meaning to
the module and the course itself since there are many ways of resolving conflicts.
Prompt #2: In Module 2, you were introduced to the martial art, Aikido. The purpose of this
module was to use a martial art that deals with "physical conflict" in a different way, a way that
provided a metaphor for how to deal with conflict in the workplace. What did you take away
from this Module? Did you see a connection between the principles of Aikido and the principles
of dealing professionally with workplace conflict?
I found this to be an interesting module for the fact, I struggle as someone who must deal
with conflict not just at work but at home as well. So, learning how to center myself was
something I took immense joy into learning. Allowing myself to think before I speak and staying
calm has helped a lot so far and I cannot wait to continue to use it more. What I did love about
this module as well was the fact we got to learn from martial arts. Even though it is more of a
physical take on it, it made me really interested in learning more on Aikido and martial arts in
general. The basis in how Aikido came to be was really fascinating, and the way Japan has taken
to such things is even more fascinating. What I learned is, no matter how someone can come at
you, there is always a way for you to center yourself.
Prompt #3: In Module 3, you were introduced to the first conflict transformation skill, "Spitting
Out the Hook." Did you learn the skill? Will it help you deal with conflict? Was this quiz (and
were the quizzes} fair, too hard, or too easy? Did the quizzes help you gain more from the text?
This was a bit challenging for me at first. When this module started, I knew that I
struggled with “spitting out the hook,” but that did not stop me from trying hard. I always seem
to jump to conclusions and run my mouth off the animal side of my brain. Being able to not take
the hook made me realize the mistakes that I had been making. This opened my eyes to the
important of not eating the energy given to me but to use it to turn the tables in a conflict. I do
believe the quizzes were fair, I did not have much of a problem with them. They really made you
think about what you have learned and where everything came from. They did help me
remember and go over the importance of spitting out the hook and the general readings we have
been doing.

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OGL 340 Module 6 Final Leo Figlinski
Reflections

Prompt #4: In Module 4, you were introduced to the second conflict transformation skill,
"H.E.A.R." Did you learn the skill? Will it help you deal with conflict? Some of you already use
an active listening skill; was learning H.E.A.R. too redundant or was it valuable to review?
In this module, I was happy to take part in the H.E.A.R. skill. Since I tend to deal with a
lot of conflict at work and sometimes at home, this made me channel my emotions and center
them, listen to the other, place myself in their shoes and respond accordingly. Recently I got the
chance to take part with hear due to an associate having just lost someone close to them and had
been dealing with legal fairs that was showing in their work effort and attitude. With this I was
able to listen to them, explain my understanding of what they said, ask for more information on
the issue, and respond with commitments that we both agreed upon. I believe H.E.A.R. to be a
valuable review of what I already knew but now can put a name and step to each process.
Prompt #5: In Module 5, you were introduced to the third conflict transformation skill, "BURN
CLEAN." Did you learn the skill? Will it help you deal with conflict? Will it help you express
your "wants" without throwing out hooks?
With “BURN CLEAN” I was able to use this when I had an argument with my fiancée.
My fiancée had questioned me about documents that I had yet to receive and the answer I gave
her was not to her liking. Not because of me but because of the government. This ended up
turning into an argument where she believed I was giving her attitude. In the end she ended up
not speaking to me in 24 hours and by the time she did, I was able to use the “BURN CLEAN”
skill. I had explained to her what happened, how with what happened, then made it clear about
our relationship and how much I care about her before I identified the changes I want and the
continuances of what would happen otherwise for her options. It ended up working out and she
apologized to me for the mistake she had made. I believe this to also be an effective way to deal
with conflict not just at home but at work. With enough time using the skill, being able to not
throw out the hook will get much easier.
Prompt #6: In Module 6, you were introduced to the fourth conflict transformation skill, "SAY
YES." Did you learn the steps in this skill? Will you be able to use it to help you transform
conflict? How confident do you feel about using the SAY YES Model?
This skill was defiantly a bit longer and made it feel like a boardroom, but it was most
definitely effective. Even with the two people I had to work with and the stubbornness they both
shared, we were able to work out a plan of action that we all said yes to. As I had explained in
the discussion post I was able to use each part of this skill between my father and grandfather. I
was able to use each step such as sharing the problem between each person. Asking if they are
willing to move forward with an alternative approach. Then laying down the ground rules before
they got to list their wants. Making sure to reiterate to each person's wants to make sure it was
heard and understood right. I then let them both know of the expected results from these wants
listed before producing an action plan that would work for both men.
Prompt #7: Is there something you wish you had learned or some topic we needed to spend
more or less time on? Add any final thoughts you think would be helpful in improving this
course. Overall, was the workload fair and manageable, light or too much?
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OGL 340 Module 6 Final Leo Figlinski
Reflections

I do wish we were able to spend more time with the “SAY YES” skill set. It almost
seemed so short for information. I was happy to see the lenience and understanding of how
complex the skill was to complete but I put myself up to the challenged. I will never understand
without doing and to get somewhere I must learn and to learn I must do. I believe the workload
for this class was perfect and I really did have a lot of run along with a terrific book to read.
Thank you for all that you have done for this class and the dedication you have for improving the
leaders of today with conflict resolution. I will take the knowledge you have shared and use it in
my every day.