Conflict Resolution
Lesson 3: Practice
In lessons 1 and 2 you learned different ways to manage conflict and how to have crucial conversations. In this lesson you will get to pracrtice what you learned using case studies. Read each case study and reflect how you would respond - what conversation needs to happen? What will you do?
Case Study #1
The presidential election of 2022 was a very contentious election for our country because the main candidates were from opposite spectrums of Philippine politics. The former Vice President was a lady who stood for equal rights, women's empowerment, and inclusive development. On the other side is Ferdinand Marcos Jr, son and namesake of the former dictator who was ousted in 1986 through a peaceful revolution.
The propaganda and campaign strategies were very heavy in social media. As is the case, social media is flooded by fake news and misinformation. The country was divided, especially among the youth. Vulnerable were those who did not base their ideas on responsible information and research. And so goes the battle against trolls and fake news.
Some of our key Volunteer leaders in Cebu City posted articles, and write-ups promoting the lady Vice President. This was, surprisingly, responded by a younger Volunteer leader from Dumaguete City. The exchanges became frequent and heated. It has reached a point where their friendship is at the point of breaking up. This polarization of political differences had spread to the other areas and the ministry is faced with a problem of volunteer leaders taking sides and a falling out in relationships.
- Essential character traits to preserve relationships.
- Drawing the line on personal convictions.
- Upholding respect and courtesy.
- What binds us as brothers and sisters in the faith?
Case Study #2
Camps have and are always the best setting for building wonderful relationships. Kids with God; Kids with Other Kids; Leaders with Kids; Leaders with Leaders. A Happy Place.
In one of these camps, an older Volunteer staff was the program director and a younger Volunteer Staff was the Work Crew Boss. Both come from the same ministry area but are not the closest of friends.
In one particular activity, the program needed help from the Work Crew to assist them. Several bodies were needed to make the activity successful. The Work Crew Boss decided to send a few, not enough with what the program director expected. When the activity was over, the program director was disappointed with the result mainly because he did not have the right number of people he requested. Upon entering the Mess hall to get a breather, supposedly, he took the “opportunity” to air his disappointment to the Work Crew who were setting up the place for lunch. The work Crew Boss did not appreciate the remarks and tone of voice that answered back in an agitated manner for and on behalf of the Crew and his decision. The heated discussion became very intense that I (speaker and director of the camp) had to come between them to avert them from coming to blows.
- Controlling our Tempers.
- When do you just let go of bad situations/results
- How does a leader handle difficult challenges
- How do you weigh in on Success and Failure
Action Steps
- One more tool to learn is how to give and receive feedback. Watch the video below to learn the SBI Feedback model
- Put to practice what you are learning!
