26.02.2013 Views

Managing External Relations - Disaster Management Center ...

Managing External Relations - Disaster Management Center ...

Managing External Relations - Disaster Management Center ...

SHOW MORE
SHOW LESS

Create successful ePaper yourself

Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.

EP<br />

04<br />

30<br />

<strong>Managing</strong> <strong>External</strong> <strong>Relations</strong><br />

There is a conflict over a method of handling an emergency operation. A group member<br />

begins cutting off other members when they speak and putting down people who disagree<br />

with him. He becomes intensely emotional and raises his voice. Other people remain silent.<br />

Conflict management style:<br />

Possible interventions:<br />

The vocal group member may be using a competitive style to achieve his own ends and may have<br />

high emotional or material stakes in the outcome. His style may intimidate other members into being<br />

silent. It may be possible for the facilitator to speak for a minute or two, reviewing the goals and<br />

progress of the group and allowing a chance for everyone to calm down. Then, the group should<br />

examine whether or not other forms of resolution are possible, such as compromise or collaboration.<br />

Other viewpoints should be solicited.<br />

The behaviour of the vocal member may also indicate some personal anxieties, which can<br />

probably not be addressed completely in the meeting. The facilitator should remain calm but express<br />

concern for the member’s feelings. Other members of the group may also feel concern and offer<br />

support. The group should return to the original focus of the meeting as soon as possible.<br />

An argument breaks out in a large meeting between two members who argue frequently.<br />

The meeting is scheduled for two hours. The rest of the group seems irritated with the<br />

disagreement and wants to proceed with the agenda.<br />

Conflict management style:<br />

Possible interventions:<br />

Since the meeting is so short, neither party may have much to gain from the outcome of the<br />

argument. It is best to deal with disagreements, however, rather than trying to side-step them.<br />

The most important step is to move the focus away from the personalities and onto the problems,<br />

and to discourage a back and forth exchange between the two parties. The facilitator may try<br />

rephrasing the problem, or asking one of the arguing members to rephrase the problem to clear<br />

up any misunderstanding that may exist. Then others should be asked for their input to resolve the<br />

issue. When pressured by group members who would like to proceed, one party may agree to<br />

accommodate the other for the sake of moving forward with the meeting.

Hooray! Your file is uploaded and ready to be published.

Saved successfully!

Ooh no, something went wrong!