From “Us and Them” to “We”: Leading Toward Healthy Group Dynamics By David Dyck B) Understanding Conflict Escalation and Change: Group conflicts and the escalation pattern that takes us from “we” to “us and them” develops in a predictable four-stage pattern[1]: i) Shared Problem-Solving (i.e. mutuality; goal is to solve the problem): Most of us have been… Read more →
Conflict Management
Leading Toward Healthy Group Dynamics (Part 1 of 3)
From “Us & Them” to “We”: Leading Toward Healthy Group Dynamics By David Dyck A) The Challenge Identified: Conflict among team members is inevitable in any group setting. Put people together long enough and there will eventually be friction of some kind. In fact, if work groups are not aware of or processing tension of… Read more →
What to do about conflict in sport?
Conflict in amateur sports is on everyone’s minds these days. New stories and video clips of escalating tensions between hockey parents, coaches and refs are popping up every few days. Conversations about Saturday’s on-ice conflict at the Southdale arena speculate: Who is at fault? Who is the victim? What is Hockey Manitoba’s role? How will… Read more →
Resolving a disagreement
Understanding your disagreement, i.e. what the disagreement is really about, is just the first step to resolution. Diagnosing your disagreement is about uncovering what is really important to you regarding the issue in contention. Once you can articulate your underlying needs, fears, wants, concerns, hopes, etc. you will likely be much more successful in coming… Read more →
Diagnosing a disagreement
What is surface disagreement, jagged peaks of icebergs facing off with each other, beneath may be joined when we have eyes to see. –Tilden Edwards One of the keys to conflict resolution, especially in complex disagreements, is the identification of the interests of each party. Shifting from positions to interests is crucial for… Read more →
The season for courageous conversations
In the run up to the holidays, stresses seem to sometimes get the better of us. Conflicts at work tend to build as the winter months set in. Tensions at home can become increasingly strained with the pressure and stresses of the season. Extended family gatherings with their complex dynamics are just around the corner…. Read more →