Common Sources of Family Council Conflict
by Family Councils Ontario
While conflict is a normal part of life, it is usually unpleasant to experience. And while Family Councils are a unique type of group, they are not immune to intragroup conflict. Some conflicts are because of behaviours, while others are due to disagreements about how the Council should operate or the nature of its work. This week, we’ll explore some of the common source of intra-Council conflict and simple ways to resolve the issues.
Family Councils are composed of members from varying backgrounds with diverse skills, opinions, needs and approaches. This diversity is most often a benefit to the Council as it means the group incorporates a wide range of perspectives and capacities. On the other hand, conflict can arise as a result of the different behavioural styles or preferences of the Council members. Members may clash over communication styles or tone of expression, for example. Our communication styles are informed by our backgrounds, experiences and preferences. It can be helpful to openly discuss the different communication styles of your members and how best to communicate in order to have successful conversations e.g. wait to speak until someone else has finished talking, or to avoid raising your voice during meetings. Conflict may also arise if members do not follow the Council norms or accepted ways of doing things. To help prevent this conflict, discuss how members are expected to behave during meetings and while carrying out Family Council work. A helpful tool to develop and use is a Code of Conduct. This document should contain information on the accepted and expected behaviours of members. Being proactive regarding expected behaviours and communication approaches will go a long way towards avoid conflict and resolving it when it arises.
Conflict may also arise due to disagreements about Council operations. Ambiguity about Council goals, actions or strategies can lead to confusion and conflict. To help avoid this type of conflict, be clear about your Council’s mission, vision, goals, actions, and strategies. It is important to record all decisions in writing, including how the decision was made (e.g. approved by 2/3 majority vote at March 2017 Council meeting). Ensure that all members receive a copy of the Meeting Minutes or other documentation so that people can review them. It’s also essential to have an agreed-upon Terms of Reference (TOR), which details your Council’s operation procedures. Your TOR should include details on your goals and decision-making process to avoid ambiguity about what you want to accomplish and how you will made decisions. This is another proactive approach to avoiding conflict.
While conflict is normal, there are ways we can help prevent and address it, thus improving the functioning of Family Councils. To learn more about group conflict, join us next Tuesday March 7th 2-3pm for a free webinar: Solving Group Conflict via Mediation: A Presentation from the Osgoode Mediation Clinic. For more details and registration, click here: https://www.fco.ngo/updates-and-events/updates/upcoming-webinar-solving-group-conflict-mediation-presentation-osgoode
Source: Boundless. “Common Causes of Team Conflict.” Boundless Management Boundless, 26 May. 2016. Retrieved 01 Mar. 2017 from https://www.boundless.com/management/textbooks/boundless-management-textbook/groups-teams-and-teamwork-6/managing-conflict-55/common-causes-of-team-conflict-277-3941/