Conflict Resolution

Introduction to Conflict Resolution

Conflicts can occur when people disagreeing with each other seem unable to find a reasonable compromise. The roots of these disagreements can arise from many sources, including differences in personality, values, and perceptions.

As a patrol leader, you will need to handle the differences that arise among members of the patrol. Those conflicts may be minor, or they may fester into something that can damage patrol spirit and the ability of the patrol members to work together effectively.

It is important that you are viewed by your patrol members as someone who is fair and impartial, that you will treat each side of a conflict equally.

Effective Words Working for You: Applying the Positive Spin

Using your words effectively can help you be a better leader. The following are some examples of the "Do's and Don't's" of what to say:

Building Communication & Problem Solving Skills

Here are eight steps that will help you resolve a conflict:

1. Become Aware of the Conflict. Identify the fact that Scouts are experiencing a conflict. When you hear voices start to rise, come in calmly and say something like, "I hear that there is a problem with X. Why don't we figure out what we can do about X?" It can be difficult for a Scout to see through the argument to the root of the issue. By identifying that there is a problem, you allow each Scout to take a step back and calm down.

2. Check Your Posture. Come down to the Scout’s level. Speaking from above will only worsen the problem. Sit with the Scout, kneel, or sit in a low chair. Your posture tells the Scout that everyone here is an equal part in solving the conflict. When you stand from above, you take the power from the Scout and transfer it to yourself.

3. Identify the Conflict. Have the Scouts take turns telling their side of their conflict. Start with telling them that each will get a turn and that interrupting is not allowed. As part of this step, ask each Scout how they are feeling about the situation.

4. Repeat In Your Own Words. Repeat what each Scout has told you in your own words so that they know you understand the situation and their individual feelings.

5. Seek Compromise. Ask for ideas about compromise. Let each Scout give his own answer for how he would like to see the conflict solved.

6. Suspend your own opinion. Do not tell the Scouts how to resolve the conflict; this would not teach them anything. Scouts will naturally discard ideas that do not seem fair if they are given time to think and talk them through.

7. Repeat What You Heard. Summarize the conflict and the solution that the Scouts come up with. When a decision is reached, recap the conflict and how the solution will fix the issue. This will help solidify the lessons that the Scouts have learned since they can clearly see how they have moved from conflict to resolution. It will help the situation make sense.

8. Take action. Let the Scouts put their solution into motion. Stay with them to smooth out any bumps in the same third-party manner that you have maintained.