Community Interventions (Admin Led)
Disagreements happen, as do confrontations from disagreements. This is totally normal. It’s human nature, and it’s especially common in an environment with so many unique people from all walks of life (our community). First and foremost, we advocate for our users to try to work it out amongst themselves. This promotes healthy communication. We have observed that most disputes can be resolved with patience and respect, and we provide several resources to help approach these situations on your own.
However, we do understand that in some cases, you might need assistance from a third party. If you would like to resolve an issue with a fellow user, you may request to meet with them alongside a facilitator.
Where will it take place?
A locked room (badges given prior and removed after).
How long does the session run?
15-20 minutes maximum.
Rules for participation:
1. Please have a solution in mind when entering the conversation. The objective behind this meeting is to problem-solve to reach a resolution.
2. Please be civil at all times (no personal attacks or accusations)
3. Wait your turn to speak. Similar to the Sharing Circle format, both parties will switch back and forth.
4. Please use "I feel" language at all points throughout the discussion. You will be asked to review these with the facilitator and identify the statements prior to coming in. Please look at this Growth Path for reference (or google "I feel statements"): https://www.7cups.com/path/playlist/improving-your-communication-with-assertive-skills/
➟ Submit your request for a group conflict-resolution session HERE.
I personally recommend reading through these materials before submitting a request so that you are well equipped to communicate your needs appropriately:
https://www.7cups.com/forum/SiteUpdates_100/Archives_542/DeescalatingConflict_45098/
https://www.7cups.com/forum/GroupSupport_168/Archives_1890/ConflictResolution_74477/
➟ This is NOT to be used for reporting. Please go through the appropriate channels to report a user. This is specifically reserved for voluntarily working through an interpersonal difference to move forward.
➟ In order for this intervention to take place, both parties must be in agreement to meet. Not everyone will want to participate, so please keep this in mind.
➟ If you are unable to meet within any of the time frames listed on the form, and are open to talking in a forum setting, please let us know in the comments section.
Thanks, everyone! Looking forward to helping improve relationships, set healthy boundaries, and grow together!
@Heather225 I think this is a brilliant idea, I really hope that it will help calm conflicts.
Listening - One Step At A Time!
@Heather225
Hi H! 😊❤️ Thank you so very much for creating this program! I have bookmarked your forum post as it can be a valuable tool when seeking help and support in regard to conflict resolution, negotiation and conflict management. *high fives* 😊 and big *hugs* ❤️
@heather225 thanks for trying this out. It's sure is a good solution worth exploring. I'm a bit sceptic about the session length. 20 minutes: That's approximately 5-7 minutes for each party and the rest of the time to introduction and goodbying. Written communication needs is slower than verbal communication. This makes resolution of a conflict less productive. I'd like to propose a 30 minutes session which might be more productive.
Anyway thanks for making this happen.
This was totally an idea that I proposed to Obs. Glad to see its actually being implemted.
@ASilentObserver
@Heather225 Great Plan and I do hope this works out ! I see only a few problems because of people being in cliques or liking one person better than another etc.. we did try this on a mental health site and in a room no one else could attend .. Only a Mod and the two involved and it went south horribly because the Mod went and told others what happened and the two involved were fighting even more in the rooms and in the pms..
I think it is a great idea I do and I sure hope it helps! I do think it is so needed for many on this site.
I would wanna know for sure that the one in the room watching and helping would not take sides.. my one and only issue.
So best of Luck and I sure hope it helps.
Tye ❤️
@Tyedyedbutterfly65
Thanks for the feedback and I definitely understand the concern about bias and confidentiality. These sessions will only be facilitated by myself and any Admins/Ambassadors that are available to cover extra times I am not available. There won't be any bias toward either party and everyone will enter the session well prepared to have a civil problem-solving discussion
@Heather225 I am a bit confused, is this for any 2 community members who want to use this process? If admins are overseeing it the ratio of users to admins is very high. Maybe you don't anticipate a high participation rate?
If it is for all, is there a prioritization of say 2 leaders who work on a shared project compared to people who can just mute/block each other without any impacts to projects?
@AffyAvo
I don't suspect there will be a high participation rate, so I will be trialing 1 admin per 2 community users to see how these sessions play out. I will be handling these on a case-by-case basis, and depending on the outcomes I will make changes to the process. The prioritization would be on more high-level problem solving, such as between leaders working on shared projects like you referened. I will update on the results after it's been in trial for a long enough period to collect data.
@Heather225 Thanks Heather! That makes sense.
@Heather225 Thank you so much for this lovely intervention, I think it might really help sort out difficult situations that need a third party and create a healthier atmosphere overall