Last updated on Jul 7, 2024

Two peer support team members clash over conflicting priorities. How can you help them find common ground?

In the world of peer support, conflicts between team members can arise when they have differing priorities. It's essential to address these clashes constructively to maintain a supportive environment for all involved. When two peer supporters find themselves at odds, your role in helping them find common ground becomes crucial. By understanding the nature of their conflict, you can guide them towards a resolution that respects both of their concerns and fosters collaboration.

Find expert answers in this collaborative article

Selected by the community from 2 contributions. Learn more

1 Understand Conflict

When peer support team members clash, it's crucial to first understand the root of their conflict. Listen to each person's perspective without judgment and identify the specific priorities that are causing the disagreement. Acknowledge the validity of each viewpoint and the importance of their roles within the team. By doing this, you create a safe space for open communication, which is the first step towards finding common ground.

Add your perspective

2 Communicate Openly

Open communication is key in resolving conflicts. Encourage the team members to express their thoughts and feelings about the situation. Remind them that the goal is to work together effectively, not to win an argument. Facilitate a dialogue that allows each person to speak and be heard. This process can help clarify misunderstandings and reveal areas where their priorities may actually align.

Add your perspective

Melissa Saady

Certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist
Report contribution
Sitting down together and having open and honest communication is crucial in the situation. Both parties can get an opportunity to candidly discuss where they’re coming from. This will give everyone a chance to understand one another and develop more empathy and compassion for the other person.

Like

Unhelpful

3 Identify Common Goals

Despite their differences, peer support team members likely share common goals. Highlight these shared objectives to remind them of the bigger picture and their collective purpose. By focusing on what unites them, such as the well-being of those they support, you can steer the conversation toward a collaborative effort that benefits the entire team.

Add your perspective

4 Explore Alternatives

When team members have conflicting priorities, finding a compromise often involves exploring alternative solutions. Encourage them to brainstorm together and consider different approaches that could satisfy both parties. Promote creativity and flexibility in this process, as it may lead to innovative ideas that neither had previously considered.

Add your perspective

5 Establish Agreement

Once alternatives have been discussed, guide the team members towards establishing an agreement. This may involve making concessions or finding a middle ground that accommodates both sets of priorities. Ensure that the agreement is clear, achievable, and acceptable to both individuals. This mutual understanding is a vital step in moving forward and preventing similar conflicts in the future.

Add your perspective

6 Maintain Support

After finding a resolution, it's important to maintain ongoing support for both team members. Continue to foster an environment where open communication and mutual respect are the norms. Check in with them periodically to ensure that the agreement is working and to address any new concerns that may arise. Your ongoing support will help sustain a harmonious and effective peer support team.

Add your perspective

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?

Add your perspective

Peer Support

Rate this article

We created this article with the help of AI. What do you think of it?

It’s great It’s not so great

Report this article

See all

Two peer support team members clash over conflicting priorities. How can you help them find common ground?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Understand Conflict

2 Communicate Openly

3 Identify Common Goals

4 Explore Alternatives

5 Establish Agreement

6 Maintain Support

7 Here’s what else to consider

Peer Support

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

More articles on Peer Support

Two peer support team members clash over conflicting priorities. How can you help them find common ground?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Understand Conflict

2 Communicate Openly

3 Identify Common Goals

4 Explore Alternatives

5 Establish Agreement

6 Maintain Support

7 Here’s what else to consider

Peer Support

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

Explore Other Skills