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.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Journal
• Leadership Training Courses

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."
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
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.
6. Set a realistic time limit for settling disputes. This will keep resolving the problem a priority and help keep everyone focused.
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.

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.