How to Solve a Conflict in a Group

Group conflicts can be fairly simple, but they have the potential to become very toxic due to the amount of people involved. It's difficult to understand exactly what is going on when there are so many different viewpoints, which is why it is important to get to the heart of the matter in a timely and civil manner. Here you will find how to solve a conflict in a group.

Instructions

1. Plan an informal gathering. Hosting a potluck or informal dinner as opposed to a movie night will help ensure there is ample opportunity for open communication.

2. Invite every person involved in the conflict. The last thing you want to do is give someone the impression he is being ganged up on and/or ignored.

3. Encourage every person to share his thoughts and feelings at your gathering. Everyone should have a chance to speak without being interrupted or discredited. Do your best to foster an atmosphere of listening rather than condemnation.

4. If you are directly involved in the conflict, express your feelings without using an accusatory tone and/or defamatory language. Embodying appropriate behavior amidst conflict will help temper stronger, less conciliatory emotions in the room.

5. Encourage everyone involved to suggest ideas for coming to a resolution. Whether this means beginning a more in-depth discussion or agreeing to disagree, attempt to reach a resolution everyone will be comfortable with.

Tips & Warnings

• If appropriate, try to keep a sense of levity to the group discussion by passing around an object, such as banana, for the speaker to hold while everyone else listens.

• Don't force peace in an uncomfortable situation. This will often only exacerbate negative feelings.

References

• Conflict Resolution Techniques

Resources

• Solving Conflicts in the Workplace
• Dealing with Particularly Difficult People