The Aikido Way Final Reflection

The Aikido Way Reflection
Nicholas Angilley
OGL 340
Dr. William Erwin
29 November 2022
Reflection
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 didn't work?
Personally, I think that the first module was a perfect foundation to get the class into an
understanding of how much an individual’s attitude and mental mindset ultimately is the
foundation to problem solving. Not only did they set up a foundation, they were all entertaining,
informational and of real value. There were not bits a pieces that were of value, they were
entirely useful in understanding the mental models conceptualized in the course.
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 took away a whole different perspective of problem solving in the workplace and personal life.
The idea of staying centered, welcoming the energy, blending the two, and leading into a positive
solution. I understood this concept easily with the tutorial videos you provided as well as having
a background with martial arts. I could easily distinguish how the principles of Aikido and
dealing with conflict in a professional manner, were correlated together and how well they
meshed. Being more self aware creates a threshold of perspectives that you encounter on a daily
basis interacting with people and I think that the Aikido principles are a perfect depiction on how
conflicts should be handled personally and professionally.
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?
I did indeed became more aware of being able to spit out the hook, but in my nature I tend to test
people so it is a work in progress, but I was not previously aware of spitting out the hook and
how effective it is. It has already immensely helped me deal with conflicts that arise. I do not
think the quizzes were too hard, I think they were a reflection of all the material learned, not just
specifically from one tool you utilized in the course. You mixed the videos with the techniques,
to the text book and then back to your lectures. I felt like you blended the material well
throughout the quizzes.
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?
I think that the H.E.A.R skill is very valuable to listening ears. It may seem redundant if the
receiver does not take it deeper to level digging into emotional intelligence. My strongest skill
has been emotional intelligence, and yet I have never had someone describe negotiations like the
TED Talk in Module 4. I have developed very strong listening skills throughout different
leadership opportunities, but this module had re-wired my thought process on how I listen to
people and help resolve conflicts.
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?
I felt like was a very thoughtful module as some people go into conflict resolution and want to
just satisfy all parties involved, except for themselves. I think thoroughly reviewing and
expressing your goals/wants is necessary for survival. Otherwise people wound up getting
wrongfully manipulated and taken advantage of, and never question it and hold no self value.
With planning your wants and needs, all involved can find a middle ground and a resolution. On
the contrary, if you throw a hook the narrative and perception of your wants are effected.
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?
I think the say SAY YES skill was my favorite as I have always been apart of conflicts, majority
of them not my own and I am a mediator. I feel very confident in practicing this skill, I think that
a very large portion of society’s civil problems could be solved with a proper mediator. It is great
feeling when you are in a position between very heavy tension, and you are able to just
deescalate the tension. That alone is a beast of its own, let alone getting them to SAY YES.
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?
I do not feel like there could be a better way to learn this class, other than on the mats learning
the martial art as well. I believe that I have a bias against online education, but you had gone the
far beyond what was expected of you, and it was very much appreciated. This class kept me fully
engaged and never felt like the information was repetitive or lacked value. I enjoyed your lecture
videos and your analogies and stories you brought to light.

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The Aikido Way Reflection

Dr. William Erwin

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