Managing Conflict in Groups

Conflict is a natural part of any group's experience and one we all deal with in schools with staff and parents from time to time.

Some conflicts are preventable. Preparing adequately; bringing the right materials to the meeting; and establishing roles, responsibilities, ground rules, expected outcomes, and decision making methods all will help avoid unnecessary conflict.

Other conflicts are important to the group's work. Handled well, those conflicts can clarify differences, increase the creativity of the group, and produce better results. However, if a conflict is ignored, it can be damaging to the productivity and coherence of the group.
Conflict is defined as a problem that evokes strong feelings. Our tendency is to dismiss the feelings. However, listening carefully and, when appropriate, acknowledging the emotion, is a necessary first step before you get to problem solving.

The key steps in managing a conflict are:
· Give group members uninterrupted time to share their points of view and feelings.
· Summarize the issues.
· Identify common ground when it exists.
· Move on to problem solving.