Reply to discussion
Conflict may manifest within a group for a number of reasons. These reasons may be due to insecurities, cultural, emotional among other reasons or dynamics in the group. As a leader, the initial screening may give insight or particular behaviors. “Screening and preparing the group is essential for it lays the foundation for the future structure and a development of a group. Many of the potential problems that arise as a group continues can be prevented by careful screening, preparation, and orientation before the group even convenes (Corey, 2014).”
As leader reducing conflict or eliminating conflict does not mean, you as the leader ignore the problems or hostile behaviors. It is essential and healthy for the group to channel the issues appropriately and find out why or how it may be resolved. Corey, Corey, and Haynes in Groups in Action: Evolution and Challenges shares, “You do not need to be afraid of conflict, and you do not need to have answers in advance. Be willing to remain open to group members and to encourage members and to encourage them to talk about their thoughts and feelings about being in the group (Corey, 2014).”
Conflict is not avoidable. Even with the best screening tools, and the leader attempting to redirect the escalating conflict, there are times we will experience conflict. Within the group, members personalities, experiences, and challenges are different. Leaders must listen and observe to ensure the needs of the members are being met, along with utilizing techniques to reduce conflict within the group. Forsyth discussed several conflict resolutions such as commitment – negotiation, misperception – understanding, hard tactics – cooperative tactics, retaliation – forgiveness, anger – composure, many – few, the value of conflict: redux (Forsyth, 2014).” Since conflict is inevitable; leaders must address the problematic behavior to ensure the goals of the group is met. “Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Crist forgave you (Ephesians 4:31-32, NKJV).”
References
Corey, G., Corey, M., and Haynes, R.. (2014). Groups in Action: Evolution and Challenges (2nd ed.). Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole.
Forsyth, D. (2014). Group Dynamics. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth.
NKJV. (n.d.). Ephesians 4:31-32.
