Skip to main content Skip to bottom nav

Course 2, Discussion 5: Conflict Resolution 101: Dealing with Gossip and Triangulation

User Profile: FrenchToast
FrenchToast December 5th, 2022

Let's call you Person A. Now, you have a problem with Person B and really dont know what to do about it. You go to Person C to discuss it. This is triangulation, when a problem between 2 people comes to involved a 3rd person unnecessarily.

While gossiping is spreading or engaging in the discussion of any information that is not true, exaggerated or hurtful to the individual. If you are not comfortable saying the same to someone directly, it is likely gossip and should not be shared with third person.

The triangulation process can happen in all relationships. Let's say someone is offended by another user. Triangulation can be very tempting, but it ultimately only ends up negatively impacting all involved. Having clear, calm, and honest conversation is challenging and requires you to overcome your fears, but, when done right, it positively impacts all involved.

At times a person doesn't realize that some words or phrases may seem intimidating to another person.We all come from different backgrounds thus it is important for us to support each other.

Why is triangulation unhelpful?

Because it perpetuates the spread of information, which can be hurtful to those involved. It lends itself to rumor spreading and it takes a private situation between two users and exposes it to more people.

What should you do if someone comes to you for support on something which occurred in the community?

1) Never share the names of another user

2) Never share specific details of a chat with another user

3) If someone wants to share with you, please say this:

"I am sorry this happened! Sounds like a challenging situation. As to avoid triangulation, it would be best for you to practice conflict resolution with that person. If conflict resolution is not possible, please let a community manager know by filing a L-L report. Please do not share this situation with other users as to preserve confidentiality.

Special note: You should avoid triangulation with all other users, including mentors, group mods, peer supporters, mentor leaders and ambassadors. Any time a situation cannot be worked out via conflict resolution, please file a L-L report.

We have covered the don’ts, now lets see how we can resolve conflict.

  1. Step back and slow down

    1. Think before you put your words across in order to avoid something that will escalate the conflict.

  2. Show clarity regarding your intentions and goals for the conversation

    1. Listen to learn something new and express your views and feelings professionally.

    2. Avoid blaming or changing another person's point of view.

  3. Avoid assumptions and ask questions to explore the other persons story

    1. Do not convince them you are right.

    2. Listen to the person on the opposite end as they will more likely try to understand you.

  4. Express your feelings without holding the other person accountable for the conflict

    1. Use I statements to express yourself.

    2. State a feeling rather than judging.

  5. Be responsible for your assumptions

    1. On the internet, messages can be interpreted in several ways. To think that your beliefs and conclusions about others are the truth, will only escalate the conflict.

  6. Find a common ground

    1. Reaching a common ground will make it easier to resolve the conflict and will diffuse defensiveness.

✒️ Taking responsibility for our actions: Take the Pledge!

As a listener in our community, it is your responsibility to stop triangulation when you see it or are invited to participate in it. Doing this will keep our community healthy and moving in a positive direction. I challenge you all to take the Avoiding Triangulation Pledge:

"In all of my interactions on 7 Cups, I will work to maintain healthy relationships and a supportive environment by stopping the spread of rumors and misinformation. I will maintain professionalism by not involving myself in conversations or situations which do not include me or require my presence."

✒️ Please reply to at least 1 of your peers in this thread with encouraging or supportive words!

❗❗After posting, please...

1. Take the course exam here to complete course 2.

2. Proceed to Course 3!


🔉This post is brought to you by the Leadership Development Program, find information on it here tinyurl.com/AcademyLDP

414
User Profile: Dash0
Dash0 February 14th, 2025

In all of my interactions on 7 Cups, I will work to maintain healthy relationships and a supportive environment by stopping the spread of rumors and misinformation. I will maintain professionalism by not involving myself in conversations or situations which do not include me or require my presence.

1 reply
User Profile: wonderfulBlueberry7326
wonderfulBlueberry7326 April 30th, 2025

@Dash0 I wish you well on your pledge

(also I love your pfp, my favorite game series of all time)

load more
User Profile: globalWillow3000
globalWillow3000 February 26th, 2025

@FrenchToast

globalWillow3000 Pledge:

"In all of my interactions on 7 Cups, I will work to maintain healthy relationships and a supportive environment by stopping the spread of rumors and misinformation. I will maintain professionalism by not involving myself in conversations or situations which do not include me or require my presence."

User Profile: Phoenixthepoised
Phoenixthepoised February 26th, 2025

@FrenchToast 

In all of my interactions on 7 Cups, I will work to maintain healthy relationships and a supportive environment by stopping the spread of rumors and misinformation. I will maintain professionalism by not involving myself in conversations or situations which do not include me or require my presence.

1 reply
User Profile: beeyoolee0001
beeyoolee0001 February 27th, 2025

@Phoenixthepoised yaay! You took the pledge too 😊

load more
User Profile: beeyoolee0001
beeyoolee0001 February 27th, 2025

@FrenchToast

In all of my interactions on 7 Cups, I will work to maintain healthy relationships and a supportive environment by stopping the spread of rumors and misinformation. I will maintain professionalism by not involving myself in conversations or situations which do not include me or require my presence.


(:

2 replies
User Profile: jaboo
jaboo March 1st, 2025

@beeyoolee0001 Good luck in the program! ^^

1 reply
User Profile: beeyoolee0001
beeyoolee0001 March 4th, 2025

@jaboo thank you 😊

load more
load more
User Profile: jaboo
jaboo March 1st, 2025

@FrenchToast In all of my interactions on 7 Cups, I will work to maintain healthy relationships and a supportive environment by stopping the spread of rumors and misinformation. I will maintain professionalism by not involving myself in conversations or situations which do not include me or require my presence.


User Profile: BPDBadee
BPDBadee March 12th, 2025
In all of my interactions on 7 Cups, I will work to maintain healthy relationships and a supportive environment by stopping the spread of rumors and misinformation. I will maintain professionalism by not involving myself in conversations or situations which do not include me or require my presence.@FrenchToast
User Profile: Bismil66
Bismil66 March 17th, 2025

@FrenchToast

Bismil66 Pledge:

In all of my interactions on 7 Cups, I will work to maintain healthy relationships and a supportive environment by stopping the spread of rumors and misinformation. I will maintain professionalism by not involving myself in conversations or situations which do not include me or require my presence.

2 replies
User Profile: SparklesFly
SparklesFly March 24th, 2025

@Bismil66

You're going to be a great leader.

1 reply
User Profile: Bismil66
Bismil66 March 25th, 2025

@SparklesFly

Thank you so much for your kind words. Means alot to me🌸

load more
load more
User Profile: SparklesFly
SparklesFly March 24th, 2025

@FrenchToast

Taking responsibility for our actions: Take the Pledge!

In all of my interactions on 7 Cups, I will work to maintain healthy relationships and a supportive environment by stopping the spread of rumors and misinformation. I will maintain professionalism by not involving myself in conversations or situations which do not include me or require my presence.

User Profile: HereToHelp135
HereToHelp135 April 1st, 2025

@FrenchToast


"In all of my interactions on 7 Cups, I will work to maintain healthy relationships and a supportive environment by stopping the spread of rumors and misinformation. I will maintain professionalism by not involving myself in conversations or situations which do not include me or require my presence."

-

1 reply
User Profile: giggleBubbles6722
giggleBubbles6722 April 8th, 2025

@HereToHelp135

May the odds be ever in your favour

load more
User Profile: giggleBubbles6722
giggleBubbles6722 April 8th, 2025

@FrenchToast

"In all of my interactions on 7 Cups, I will work to maintain healthy relationships and a supportive environment by stopping the spread of rumors and misinformation. I will maintain professionalism by not involving myself in conversations or situations which do not include me or require my presence."

1 reply
User Profile: twerp
twerp April 9th, 2025

@giggleBubbles6722

Woo to the hoo! :D

load more