OBJECTIVE:

Students will identify their personal preferred communication style and how effectively their preferences to others.

REQUIRED PREP:

Transform your room – Next Gen sessions should be different from typical classes — change the atmosphere of your classroom and get ready for your first session!

Opening Huddle

Goal: Conduct the cohort ritual and mood check.

Feel free to play music to generate energy and set the vibe!

Opening Ritual: Conduct your opening ritual! 

Mood Check: Gather the students into a circle (standing or sitting – keep comfort in mind)!

Activity 1

Select 4 pairs of students. Assign each pair a scenario. 

Have them act out their scenario in front of the cohort.

After each scenario, answer the following questions. 

  • Can you share your feelings about the situation?
  • What are your needs and expectations in this situation? Have you communicated them to the other person?
  • What are some potential solutions that come to mind for you?
  • Are there any compromises or middle-ground options that you can think of?
  • Do you think there’s anything you could have done differently to prevent or minimize the conflict?
  • How can both parties take responsibility for the resolution?

Scenario 1

You and your friend starting working together for the same company. You both have the same job position and do the same amount of work. You get promoted and a raise. When the news is announced, your friend does not congratulate you.

How do you handle the situation? Who is right? Who is wrong?

Scenario 2

You are a part of a group project with 2 other friends. Your friends are not taking the project seriously and you are doing majority of the work. When it is time to submit the project and present, your friends take credit for your portion of the work.

How do you handle the situation? Who is right? Who is wrong?

Scenario 3

You and your best friend move into together. Things are going good but you realize that you all have different “cleanliness standards”. You mention it to your best friend and they say they’ll do better, but weeks pass and things are the same.

How do you handle the situation? Who is right? Who is wrong?

Scenario 4

You order the new iPhone but when it gets delivered, the box is emptied. You call customer service to report the issue and the customer service representative is rude and begins to yell at.

How do you handle the situation? Who is right? Who is wrong?

Activity 2: Review and discuss the following steps:

Eight steps to effective conflict management

Conflict is a regular part of life. How you handle conflict affects the outcome of your negotiations, your business relationships and your organization’s reputation. Dealing with conflict in constructive ways will help you maintain and enhance business productivity and achieve professional results in a fair, open and transparent manner.

1. Be aware

Conflict can arise at any time. Knowing this enables you to take steps to effective conflict management. Approaching conflict as a normal occurrence helps you to turn potential disagreements into clear communication and improved processes.

2. Be proactive

Prevention and early resolution are the most effective. When issues arise, listen and reflect on what is happening. Consider how you can address difficult issues before they escalate to conflict.

3. Seek to understand all sides of the issue

There is always more than one way to interpret a situation. Reflect on what this issue means to you, to the others involved, and what is at stake for everyone.

4. Initiate dialogue

Initiate dialogue by listening and asking questions. This will help you gain a greater understanding of what is hindering progress, and will help you better address the central issue.

5. Know when to ask for help

Enlisting the help of a neutral third party can assist you to clarify communication and prevent conflict escalation. When early awareness and response measures uncover issues that need greater attention, consult others, including a conflict management practitioner for assistance.

6. Assess your options

There are a variety of ways to handle conflict, such as negotiation, conflict coaching, facilitated discussions, mediation, arbitration and litigation. A conflict management practitioner can help you assess your options so you can decide the best possible way to manage the situation.

7. Take action

Use your knowledge and resources to take action. This could mean developing or fine tuning your conflict management skills through conflict coaching, taking time to prepare for a difficult meeting, or preparing for a facilitated discussion.

8. Reflect on the situation

Reflecting on the situation is a key element in maintaining and enhancing productivity. What have you learned? What has this situation shown you about yourself, others, and/or procedures? What can you change in the future to prevent similar situations?

Closing - 5 mins

Closing Huddle:

  • End by collectively performing your exit ritual! 
  • Remind students of the next session!