Controversy
Over the course of your time as a student leader, conflict has most likely affected the quality of your experience. Lasting and positive group experiences are the products of a group dynamic that approaches conflict openly and fairly. Student groups can be environments rife with conflict as disagreements arise over direction and goals, topics that may invoke passionate and emotional arguments. As a group you should use disagreements to spur creatively and to incite productive discourse. Remember that conflict is a necessary and healthy part of group dynamics, as long as it is tempered by good will and open discussion.
Expose the Issue
- Get any issues out in the open
- Feedback from other group members allows everyone to vent frustrations
Meet in the Middle
- Look for commonalities in your points of view
- Establish what you do not disagree on
- Differentiate between points of view and personalities
- Clearly define the issue of disagreement
Practice Active Listening
- Probe and try to find the root of your fellow groups member's concerns
- Restate, paraphrase and summarize what your fellow group member articulated
- Use body language to convey your attention; look at speaker and focus on what he/she is saying, not what your response will be
Make a Compromise
- Pick out solutions to the conflict that both parties agree on; don't focus on who is "right"
- Get a third party who can offer suggestions to help solver your problem, if necessary
Move On
- You won't agree with everyone. Focus on shared values and goals. Appreciate other people's perspectives and move on