Here's how you can handle conflicts as an intern during a team facilitation session.

1 Understand Conflict

To handle conflicts during a team facilitation session, you must first understand what conflict is and why it occurs. Conflict arises when there are different viewpoints, interests, or values among team members. It's natural and not necessarily negative; in fact, it can be a catalyst for new ideas and improvements. Your role as an intern is to recognize the signs of conflict early on and to approach the situation with an open mind, ready to facilitate a constructive dialogue that respects everyone's perspective.

2 Stay Neutral

As an intern, maintaining neutrality is vital when facilitating a team session where conflicts arise. Your goal is to help the team reach a resolution, not to take sides. Listen actively to all parties involved and validate their feelings without showing favoritism. By remaining impartial, you create a safe space for open communication that encourages team members to express their concerns and work together towards a solution.

3 Communicate Effectively

Effective communication is the cornerstone of resolving conflicts in any setting, including as an intern in a team facilitation session. Encourage clear and respectful dialogue among team members. Remind everyone to listen actively and to speak in turn, using "I" statements to express their thoughts and feelings without assigning blame. This approach fosters understanding and helps prevent the escalation of the conflict.

4 Problem-Solve Together

Once communication channels are open, guide the team towards collaborative problem-solving. Encourage team members to brainstorm solutions together, focusing on common goals rather than individual positions. As an intern, your role is to facilitate this process by asking open-ended questions, summarizing points of agreement, and helping the team to identify actionable steps that address the conflict while moving the project forward.

5 Follow Up

After a conflict has been addressed, it's important to follow up. As an intern, check in with the team members involved to ensure that the agreed-upon solutions are being implemented and that no residual tension remains. This follow-up demonstrates your commitment to the team's well-being and the resolution of the conflict, reinforcing a culture of open communication and continuous improvement.

6 Reflect and Learn

Finally, use conflicts as learning opportunities. Reflect on what you've observed during the facilitation session and consider what strategies were effective and what could be improved. This reflection not only helps you develop your facilitation skills but also provides valuable insights into team dynamics and conflict resolution that will benefit your professional growth.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?