This Season
 

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.

Related Searches:
    Difficulty:
    Moderately Easy

    Instructions

    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.

    Related Searches

    Read Next:

    Comments

    You May Also Like

    Follow eHow

    Related Ads