To be a cooperative member of a group is most productive. Research shows that a group sharing interests and developing a conflict management style based on collaboration is usually preferred over combatant styles. There are four aspects concerning principles and skills of cooperative conflict management. They are: (1) separating the people from the problem (2) Focusing on shared interest (3) Generating many options to solve problems, and (4) Basing decisions on objective criteria.
- Acknowledging a person's feelings is the first of five key factors in separating the people from the problem. This aids the cohesion of the group through empathy and shows other members that they really mean something.
- Determining the specific behavior causing intense feelings is another factor that plays a role in being a cooperative group member and helps members understand why a person might be feeling the way they do about a topic.
- Assessing the intensity and importance of the issue is the third one in the list of five, and has to do with rating the importance of the issue that is causing conflict in direct proportion to the subject matter of the group as a whole.
- Inviting the other person to join you in working toward a solution will also help the cohesion of the group by, once again, showing how important the individual is to the group as a whole.
- Making positive relational statements is always a wise move to make while building cooperation during a conflict.
Being objective is one of the most difficult things people attempt while working with others today. With the rise of “having it your way” and “you deserve a break today” life styles, Americans have grown cold isolated beings. Participation in small groups can lift the stifled air of isolation and show us how we can work together for a common goal even though it might bring conflict along for the ride. Objectivity carries a lot of clout in many circles where conflict arises mainly because we can state criteria that is based on more than just our opinion.
Separating the people from the problem, focusing on shared interests, generating many options to solve problems, and basing decisions on objective criteria are just some of the ways to build cooperation within a group in a time of conflict.
