Case study:
Resolving group conflict and re-establishing good working relationships
Resolving group conflict and re-establishing good working relationships
Client: Charity
Context: The charity was experiencing a difficult time due to a conflict involving staff and Board members. The charity was at risk of no longer being able to operate, which would have a major impact on people needing their services.
Challenge: The conflict had been going on for some time and communication and trust had been affected.
Our approach: This project was done in collaboration with Amanda Heenan of Arc of Inclusion, an expert in equality, diversity and inclusion.
We used a two-step process:
- In-depth individual conversations with everyone involved to allow them to share their perspectives and concerns and feel listened to.
We used light-touch conflict coaching, inviting people to reflect on the conflict and what they needed to be able to move forward. - Based on the insights from these conversations, we designed and facilitated a group mediation session focused on reaching a shared understanding and agreeing a productive way forward.
We created a safe space for participants to share what is important to them and explore common ground. We guided participants through substantive issues.
Outcome: The session resulted in a thoughtful discussion where participants expressed the impact the conflict had on them as well as their appreciative feelings for their colleagues.
Impact: The mediation also included a visioning exercise to help participants revive their joint vision and purpose. This allowed participants to move on from the conflict and they collaboratively agreed practical follow-up actions to further strengthen their working relationships. Thanks to this the charity is able to continue providing their much-needed service to their clients.
Follow-on commission: We were subsequently commissioned to design and facilitate a strategy workshop for the charity to refresh their values and set their strategic priorities for the year ahead.