Conflict Management

[Stosh]

And once again the discussion returns to conflict in the varying units. Parents vs. Leaders, Leaders vs. Scouts, Leaders vs. Council, etc. etc. etc.

 

Speed Leas, and expert in Conflict Management, put out a simple chart to help identify conflict resolution and I'll pass it on because it has often times saved my butt in knowing what level we are at and how to handle it and when to move on and quit trying to salvage a lost cause.

 

Level 1. (Basic Level) "John of Patrol A was picking on Fred of Patrol B."

 

When explained, the problem is clearly defined and a resolution can be applied.

 

Level 2. (Confusion Level) "Those two patrols are having problems."

 

Already one cannot resolve this problem because no one knows which two patrols are having problems and what the problem is. Until the patrols are identified and the problem is clarified it cannot be resolved. Take it back to Level 1

 

Level 3. (Blame Level) Two patrols can't get along and it's the SM's fault for not taking care of it in the first place.

 

Add some blaming into the process and one further complicates a complicated problem. Nothing is going to get resolved until blame is put aside and the problem clarified. Take it back to Level 1

 

Level 4. (Game Level) Sam (a parent of Fred who's getting picked on) likes to stir the pot and reports that the unit is falling apart and demands the committee get involved to resolve this problem. This isn't the first time that Sam has done this, but he really "enjoys" trying to run the show from the bleachers. Sam doesn't want anyone to leave because it would mean the game is over. Problems at this level will need an Act of God to resolve it. Unless Sam is willing to give up his games, this isn't going to go away.

 

Level 5. (Divorce Level) Here is the level where the committee votes, bylaw reevalution takes place and other "legal" means are being used to oust someone whether it be the SM, a Scout, Sam, or whomever. People think the whole mess will go away if someone gets kicked out. Removing people doesn't resolve the problem, it just removes some of the people.

 

Level 6. (Jihad Level) Here is the level where Sam will get someone kicked out even if it means he and his son's scouting career is destroyed in the process. Yeah, like this is ever going to get resolved.

 

While we can all identify each of these levels, remember only Level 1 can ever be resolved, Levels 2-3 can be clarified down to Level 1 for resolution and Levels 4-6 basically cannot be resolved, time to move on to other greener pastures.

 

How to avoid Levels 4-6? Never escalate to the next level, always work to get the problem back down to Level 1 to be resolved.

 

In conflict situations the human tendency is to escalate to the next level rather than trying to get the problem back down to a level where it can be resolved.

 

Stosh