How to Cope With Bad Group Dynamics While Traveling
Whether you're traveling with family, friends or a professional tour group, the stress of travel will inevitably lead to occasional conflict. The key to keeping a group vibe positive is to establish good communication patterns, catch conflicts early and find creative compromises.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Easy
Instructions
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1
Discuss at the outset what each group member thinks makes for a bad group travel experience, and ways of preventing problems from arising. Consider creating guidelines based on the concerns people raise, such as "avoid cliques" or "avoid gossip."
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Discuss various strategies for keeping communication channels open before conflicts or resentments arise. Each group member should feel that there is a repertoire of tools for communication available that will work for them.
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Seek compromise or middle ground with others when conflicts arise. Perhaps each group member could articulate what he ideally wants, what he'll settle for, and what he's unwilling to sacrifice - work out a compromise from there.
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Schedule regular times to "check in" as a group about how the trip is going and what each person might like to be doing differently. Stick to these appointed times - don't let them slip because things appear to be going well.
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5
Consider splitting the group and reuniting at an appointed time if conflicts arise around divergent interests. A split group does not have to be an admission of failed relationships, but can be sign of effective communication and understanding of differences.
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Set a realistic time limit for settling disputes. This will keep resolving the problem a priority and help keep everyone focused.
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7
Make sure each person buys into a compromise and commits themselves to making it work. Don't compromise hoping for an opportunity to renegotiate later.
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Tips & Warnings
Keep a travel journal or write letters to someone back home when you feel the need to vent your dislike for a particular group member. Everyone needs to vent at times, but involving other group members may backfire and further fuel a negative dynamic.
Consider enrolling in a leadership-training program before traveling with a group of people for an extended period of time. You'll learn valuable communication, facilitation and conflict-resolution skills.
Don't impose your own value judgments about travel preferences when discussing divergent goals. Stick to the facts and possible solutions - no one should have to defend their preferences.
