10 ways facilitated meetings resolve conflict
Conflict is an inevitable part of any workplace. While it can be uncomfortable, it also presents an opportunity for growth, better understanding, and improved processes if handled correctly.
One of the most effective ways to manage and resolve conflicts is through facilitated meetings.
A skilled facilitator can guide discussions ensuring they are productive and lead to positive resolution of workplace conflicts.
10 ways facilitated meetings resolve workplace conflicts:
1. Neutral Ground for Open Dialogue
Facilitated meetings provide a neutral ground where all parties can voice their concerns without fear of judgment or retaliation. The facilitator's role is to create a safe environment for open dialogue, where each participant feels heard and respected. This neutral perspective helps to reduce tensions and encourages honest communication.
2. Structures and Focuses Discussions
Conflict can often lead to chaotic and unfocused discussions. A facilitator brings structure to the meeting, ensuring that the conversation stays on track and addresses the core issues. By setting clear agendas and ground rules, facilitators help participants navigate the conversation constructively, avoiding digressions and unproductive arguments.
3. Encourages Active Listening
Active listening is crucial in conflict resolution, but it can be challenging when emotions are running high. Facilitators encourage active listening by guiding participants to pay attention to each other's viewpoints and reflect back what they hear. This practice fosters mutual understanding and helps clarify misunderstandings, paving the way for resolution.
4. Balances Participation
In conflicts, some voices may dominate the conversation, while others might hesitate to speak up. Facilitators ensure balanced participation by giving everyone equal opportunity to share their perspectives. This inclusivity helps uncover all relevant information and perspectives, leading to more comprehensive solutions.
5. Identifies Underlying Issues
Conflicts often arise from underlying issues that are not immediately apparent. Facilitators are trained to probe deeper, asking questions that help uncover the root causes of the conflict. By addressing these underlying issues, rather than just the surface symptoms, facilitated meetings lead to more lasting and effective resolutions.
6. Develops Collaborative Solutions
A key goal of facilitated meetings is to move towards collaborative solutions that all parties can agree on. Facilitators guide participants through brainstorming and problem-solving processes, encouraging creativity and cooperation. This collaborative approach helps build buy-in and commitment to the agreed-upon solutions.
7. Reduces Emotional Tension
Facilitators are skilled at managing the emotional dynamics of a conflict situation. They can help de-escalate tensions, mediate heated exchanges, and maintain a calm and respectful atmosphere. By addressing emotional reactions and guiding participants towards constructive behaviours, facilitators help keep the conversation productive.
8. Builds Relationships and Trust
Effective conflict resolution through facilitated meetings can strengthen relationships and build trust among team members. As participants work through their differences and find common ground, they develop a greater appreciation for each other's perspectives and contributions. This improved understanding and trust can lead to stronger, more cohesive teams.
9. Promotes Accountability and Follow-Through
Facilitated meetings often end with clear action items and commitments from all parties. Facilitators help ensure that these commitments are realistic and achievable. By promoting accountability and follow-through, facilitated meetings ensure that the resolutions are implemented and monitored, preventing the recurrence of the conflict.
10. Enhances Organisational Culture
Finally, the use of facilitated meetings in conflict resolution contributes to a positive organizational culture. It demonstrates a commitment to open communication, respect, and continuous improvement. This proactive approach to conflict management can lead to a more harmonious and productive work environment, where employees feel valued and heard.
Summary
Facilitated meetings offer numerous benefits when dealing with workplace conflicts by providing a structured, neutral, and supportive environment. Facilitators help navigate the complexities of conflict leading to meaningful and lasting resolutions.
Investing in externally facilitated meetings can transform conflicts into opportunities for growth and strengthen the overall health of an organisation.
Paul Saunders, is an organisational psychologist and an expert in facilitated meetings.
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Paul has helped several client organisations, team leaders and individuals work through and resolve their workplace conflicts. For information on resolving your workplace conflict contact Paul at LN Consulting – paulsaunders@LNC.com.au
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