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Separate Tables: Resolving Intergroup Conflict

Purpose

1. To help two teams identify the sources of their conflict.
2. To help two teams develop a plan for resolving their conflict.

Group Size

A team building session for two teams. Works best with teams of no more than 10 people each.

Time

2.5 to 3 hours.

Materials

Easel, flip chart, markers and tape or push pins.

Process

1. Explain the purpose of the activity. Set some positive norms for the session (e.g., listening, focusing on the issue).
2. Ask one group to move to the breakout room while the other one stays in the meeting room. Give each group a few sheets of flip chart paper, markers and tape or push pins. Each team is prepare a list of answers to the two questions that follow. Allow 20-30 minutes to complete this task.
   • What does the other team do that inhibits our ability to get our job done, or in general, just "bugs" us?
   • What do we do that inhibits the other team's ability to get its job done or in general "bugs" them?
3. The teams reassemble in the large room and post their flipcharts on the wall. Team members walk around and read the lists.
4. Team members are encouraged to ask questions for clarification of the items on the list.
5. The facilitator leads a discussion directed toward the identification of key issues standing in the way of effective intergroup teamwork. The most important issues are listed on the flipchart. If too many issues are listed, they should be ranked in order of importance.
6. The facilitator writes each issue on a separate sheet of flipchart paper and posts them on the wall around the room. Participants may work on the issue that interests them by moving to the area where the flipchart paper is posted. Teams are formed on this basis to develop action plans for addressing the issue. The only stipulations are that the teams include a reasonably equal number of people from each group, and that the team not be too large.
7. Teams are asked to come up with a problem statement, causes of the problem, and an action plan, including responsibilities and a timetable. Allow 30-45 minutes.
8. Each team prepares and presents a report on its plan. The other teams react.
9. The session concludes with a summary and debriefing by the facilitator and a review of next steps based on the action plans.

Debriefing

• How do you feel about this experience?
• To what extent were the real issues surfaced?
• How different would the results have been if the two groups developed their lists in the same room? With one group observing the other?
• Why does open communication require privacy and anonymity?
• To what extent will action plans increase trust, open communication, and reduce unproductive conflict?
• How would you change the activity to make it more effective? Can you see other applications for this exercise?
• What did you learn about such things as team decision-making, use of team resources, communication, and planning?
• If you were to do this activity again, what would you do differently?
• How important is a review of process in a project review? How can you incorporate a process review in your project in the future?

Variations

1. The facilitator meets with each team prior to the session and collects data on the relationships, using the same questions. The session begins with a summary of the comments. Pick up the activity at Step 4 above.
2. If more time is available in Step 2, ask each group to guess how the other group will answer the questions.

Reprinted from Glenn Parker and Richard Kropp, Team Workout: 50 Interactive Activities, HRD Press, 2000.