OVERCOMING COMMUNICATION OBSTACLES TOWARDS CONFLICT RESOLUTION

Abstract

Communication is the basis of human existence. Humans are the only creatures that have the ability to
think, work, create and communicate. Communication and interaction are everywhere. Hermits like Daniel Defoe’s
Robinson Crusoe are only a product of one’s subjective desire. “No man is an island” - people cannot live outside of
the margins of society. Communication plays a vital role in civilisation. We are all socialy connected individuals
that take part in a community. Whether or not we are an active or a passive member of the community, wheter or not
we speak or choose to stay silent, everything we do is perceived as a message. The ability to communicate is as old
as humankind, and has evolved with it, influenced by everyday existence (Conditio sine qua non). Excommunication
has been and will continue to be mankind’s biggest retribution. People and society are the subject and object in the
process of communication. “The ability to communicate is the key to interpret the history of humankind.” (Gocini
2001). The process of communication and the tools we use to communicate come naturally, however, to
communicate in the right way, at the right time is a skill. The skill to invest our time and energy in communicating
in a balanced way, in order to overcome the imperfections of our society, is not a skill that one can acquire without
constant improvement. This is an ever ongoing process. First, we need to define communication, the factors that
affect sending and receiving messages, and grasp possible obstacles. Finding ways to remove barriers to
communication is of utmost importance and an expert skill. There is no elevator to success, each one of us has to
take the stairs. Trough everyday communication we achieve a certain goal that satisfies a certain need. Failing to
communicate with our community can lead to frustration. If we imagine a society that is democratic and redundant
of conflict, it is necessary for its participants to be familiarized with conflict resolution at an early age. “Anybody
can become angry, that is easy; but to be angry with the right person, and to the right degree, and at the right time,
and for the right purpose, and in the right way, that is not within everybody's power, that is not easy.” (Aristotle)
Communication, rather than confrontation, is the key to problem solving.