Here is a short example of a conflict that requires the identification of an effective solution.

At the end of the year, a famous company organizes a social event.

(A). A part of the team wants to organize a classic Christmas dinner at a nice restaurant out of town.

(B). The other part of the team wants to use the budget to organize a day on the mountains (to go skiing or hiking in the snow).

What would an effective resolution of the conflict be?

  • What reflections should be made to choose the best strategy?
  • What could the possible alternatives be?

Reflections to make:

  • How important is the restaurant for sub-group A?
  • How important is the ski-trip for sub-group B?
  • How important is the relationship within the team for the two sub-groups?
  • How important is it for both groups to spend the day together?

Possible alternatives:

  • The team divides: those who want to go to the restaurant, go to the restaurant, those want to participate in the ski trip, do so (Avoiding conflict).
  • One of the two sub-groups gives in (Win/Lose).
  • They spend only half a day in the mountains together and the evening go to team A‘s favourite restaurant (Compromise).
  • Negotiate: one year do one activity, the year after the next. Lots decide this year’s activity (could be WIN/WIN).