Conflict is a natural part of human >

Know Whats What: The board wasnt elected to babysit or police neighbor squabbles. Some issues are association, some are not. Dont take on personality conflict issues. People that cant get along often look for others you to blame. Dont get involved unless it affects the harmony of the community.

Let Them Deal With It: If the issue is a personality conflict, suggest they discuss and resolve it like adults. If they wont, let it go. Dont encourage immature behavior.

Clarify the Issue: If the issue impacts the whole community, clarify it. What seems to be isnt always what is. Ask each party what they think "it" is.

Facilitating Discussion: If the associations interests are involved, here are several tips for facilitating the discussion:

Schedule a convenient time to talk

Agree on a neutral place for the meeting.

Stick the facts. Steer clear of "He said, she said".

Avoid blaming, insults and exaggerations which make it difficult to consider other viewpoints.

Listen, even if you disagree, to better focus on the issues.

Defuse hostility. Let them know you understand they are angry or upset. Explore whats behind the emotion.

Direct the conversation toward solutions.

Question their assertions:

• Too many/much/little/few. Compared to what?
• You never... What would happen if we did?
• Weve tried that already... What was the outcome?
• The only way is... Yes, thats one option. Any others?
• It will never work... What would work?

Good conflict resolution focuses on needs, not positions. It is indeed possible to quell the quar>

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