Managing External Relations - Disaster Management Center ...
Managing External Relations - Disaster Management Center ...
Managing External Relations - Disaster Management Center ...
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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.