Embracing The Weird Stepchild: Group Facilitation Key To Conflict Resolution
By Danielle White
It is the weird stepchild; a necessary evil, so to speak, that we much less prefer to avoid, disregard, even ignore. Generally viewed as negative, we cringe and shutter at the slightest appearance of a potential conflict, however real or imagined it may be and thus we take every actionable measure to avoid it at all costs. Avoiding conflict is, outright, however, in reality, is impossible if not unrealistic. This is not to say that we should encourage and perpetuate conflicts in and among our daily human interactions; however, conflict is not necessarily as disastrous or damaging as we may perceive it to be. In fact, it very well may be an opportunity to discover better ways of communicating with each other and thus improve our human interactions. Consider conflict as a practical example of practice makes perfect. It provides for us an opportunity to learn and improve, and hence per-fect ourselves, our businesses, our homes, our interactions, and our relationships.

Whereas, we all perceive conflict slightly differently, by and large, conflict is typically seen as anything that contradicts our personal views, thrusts us out from our comfort zones, challenges our ideologies, induces pain, sorrow, anger, or threatens to destroy our inner peace and consequently disrupt our lives and the lives of those we love. In sum, conflict can be as simple as two people bantering over politics, and encountering an opposing view and in that, the differing views are viewed as a conflicting; a conflict, and one or both parties become defensive, offended. On the other hand, it can be as serious as war and famine. Either way, the word “conflict” harbors within it negative connotations and elicits similar such feelings. Truth be told, it is more important to know how to handle conflict positively, than it is to avoid it entirely for, inevitably, there will come a time when you encounter, especially at work, a difference of opinion or a miscommunication that causes some level of discontent, discomfort, disappointment, even anger among one or more parties involved. Simply put, the trick is to not run from conflict so as to avoid it; play ostrich. It is rather to know how to maturely, professionally, calmly, tactfully, and skillfully approach a conflict so as to handle it well and thereby effectively resolve it. As Susan Heathfield, a former HR director and popular columnist says one of the first, initial steps to effectively managing and resolving conflict is having the courage to tackle it. “Practicing personal courage is necessary if you wan to really resolve conflicts at work. It is much easier and safer to ignore the necessary conflict and play ostrich.” She continues, “Unfortunately, unresolved conflict tends to escalate.” Heathfield uses the metaphor of a boiling pot. The water, at first seems calm, but when left unattended can spill over the surface and make a mess at any given moment. The question, then, is: How do I effectively handle and resolve conflict so that it doesn’t blow up in my face? The answer is: There is no one right way to resolve conflict; however, a step in the right direction is group facilitation. Fortunate 500 companies, and small business

Our articles continue...