Discussion Questions:
1. How do the three views of conflict relate to one another? In what ways do they work together, and how do they differ?
2. Think of a time in which there was conflict in your small group. What was the nature of the conflict, what was the conflict type, and how could it have been mitigated?
3. Of the conflict types, which do you think is the most harmful, and why?
4. Conflict is a natural stage in the small group decision making process. Why do you think so many people shy away from conflict? How can a group create an environment that’s open and conducive to conflict?
Assertive Message Activity
Convert the following messages into assertive messages.
1. Your presentation slides don’t look as good as the rest of the team’s. You have to redo them.
2. You left confidential papers on the printer again. Is it too much trouble to pick up after yourself?
3. You always get to decide our project theme! The rest of us would like a chance too.
4. You’re always late to our meetings, but it’s okay we’ll pick up the slack.