Negotiating conflict: you and your Measuring Up committee

Conflict and disagreement can be part of any committee experience, and may occur within your Measuring Up committee. This can be especially true when committees, like the Measuring Up committee, bring together a diverse group of people to discuss political and personal issues such as disabilities. Here are some tips for negotiating through disagreement in a way that will make your committee stronger and more innovative in improving accessibility and inclusion in your community:

Focus on people not the problem
Focus on maintaining the relationship despite the disagreement
Put yourself in other people’s shoes
Don’t assume you know what other people’s perspectives are; always remember to ask "why" and "why not"
Recognize your own emotions and background that you bring to the table, and try to recognize those of other people
Don’t react to emotional outbursts
Speak about yourself, not about "them"
Listen actively, and acknowledge what is being said
Create opportunities for all parties to discuss their perspectives without interruption or debate
Focus on realistic, tangible, and flexible solutions
Don’t assume there is only one answer
Invite outside facilitation or opinion – as a third party "referee"
Use neutral language where possible to express your points – avoid explosive terminology or statements
Structure your meeting agenda to allow ample time for discussion
Where possible, provide objective criteria for decision making because decisions based on reasonable standards make it easier for everyone to agree and preserve a good relationship

These are just some of the many techniques available to address conflict in your committee. A number of additional resources can be found at Conflict Resolution Network Canada.

We are also available to help you work through any conflict and disagreement that may arise within your Measuring Up committee. Feel free to contact us at measuringup(at)2010legaciesnow.com.

Material compiled from: Getting To Yes by Roger Fisher and William Ury (New York: Penguin Books, 1983).

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