What do you do if your boss and colleagues clash in community organizing?

1 Assess Impact

Before you jump into action, take a moment to understand the impact of the clash on your organization's work. Observe how the conflict is affecting team dynamics, project timelines, and overall morale. It's important to differentiate between a minor disagreement that can be quickly resolved and a deep-rooted issue that could have lasting effects on your community's efforts. By gauging the severity of the situation, you can tailor your response to be proportionate to the problem at hand.

2 Stay Neutral

In the midst of a clash, maintaining neutrality is key. Resist the urge to take sides, even if you have a closer relationship with one party. Your role is to facilitate a resolution, not to become part of the conflict. By staying neutral, you show respect for all involved and keep the door open for an unbiased solution. Remember, your goal is to uphold the organization's objectives above personal allegiances or opinions.

4 Seek Mediation

If the situation escalates or remains unresolved, seeking external mediation might be necessary. A neutral third party can offer a fresh perspective and help facilitate a discussion that leads to a resolution. This mediator should be someone respected by both sides, with no stake in the conflict, who can navigate the delicate intricacies of the disagreement with professionalism and confidentiality.

5 Implement Changes

Once a resolution is reached, it's time to implement changes that will prevent similar clashes in the future. This might involve revising communication protocols, setting clearer expectations, or providing additional training. Whatever the solution, ensure that it's followed through with consistency and transparency. By making these adjustments, you help to build a stronger, more resilient team that's better equipped to handle disagreements constructively.

6 Reflect and Grow

After the conflict has been addressed, take time to reflect on what was learned from the experience. Use this as an opportunity for personal growth and for enhancing the organization's conflict resolution processes. Consider what worked well in managing the situation and what could be improved upon. This reflection will not only help in dealing with future clashes but also contribute to a culture of continuous improvement within your community organization.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?