A conflict stage represents how a conflict’s behavior develops and helps facilitators choose an appropriate intervention. Ignoring conflict makes resolution harder because later intervention may require revisiting earlier stages. section 8.2.1
Making invisible conflict visible
During a design decision, architect Rodney repeatedly turned off his camera. The group interpreted this absence as resistance, responded with sarcasm and disruption, and needed to address the behavior rather than continue debating the decision. Interviewing participants and plotting their observed behaviors against conflict stages can reveal what intervention is needed. section 8.2.1 section 8.5
Use conflict stages as a facilitation aid:
- Treat movement toward right-versus-wrong arguments as a signal that the conflict is becoming dysfunctional. section 8.2.1
- Frame disagreements as dialogue or debate so attention returns to ideas instead of personal conflict. section 8.5
- Interview participants about their behavior, then use the observed patterns to estimate the conflict stage and intervention. section 8.5
- Address concerns with the whole group, avoid spotlighting lower-ranking individuals, and ask whether others see an issue differently. section 8.5
