Managing Conflict Successfully

How do you say....

Communication is an integral piece to reaching a decision for the family.

Communication is interpersonal and in order for communication to happen effectively between two people a few things need to be clear on both ends. 

1. Communication is a tool and only as successful as those that use it effectively. It's like a crosscut saw used on huge logs. It takes a lot of give and take, listening and understanding, interpretation and empathy.
2. So you've been talking since you remember, that doesn't make you are an expert on communication. If you really want to become an expert of communication, develop an educated understanding that most do not have.
3. Sometimes, communication isn't the answer. We cannot always assume that communication will resolve any problem we might face in our relationships. 
4. We can't blame communication for our problems. Often times, we reach that conclusion because we have failed to communicate effectively. Remember, it's a tool. It's how we use it that produces the result. For me personally, I know I have deployed the "I don't understand" line to end an argument. I've learned that I am accountable for either not effectively listening or ending the communication on that note.  
5. Communication is not always good. Sometimes people use communication for a negative purpose, like manipulating or intimidating others. We have to be conscious of how we use communication and what we want to accomplish.