Dealing with Conflicts and Other Problems March 21, 2012

Successful leaders have come to understand that conflict is not only inevitable in student organizations, but it is also beneficial and healthy, if properly managed. Conflict can stimulate new ideas, clarify elements of an issue, increase task motivation, and lead to better solutions because of increased understanding of opposing perspectives.

Sources of Conflict Organizational structure Politics Funding issues Assumption of power Tradition and culture Communication Personalities Differing purposes

Organizational Structure Authority Level of the Advisor – For some orgs the authority level of the advisor has lead to the success of the group Structure of the Executive Board – Executive Board structure may distance the officers from the membership – Empower E-Board w/ specific duties and decision- making authority – When giving reports during meeting face the membership rather than the president or e-board – President should use “we” instead of “I”

Politics How the members of the organization choose to work with each other and with other organizations may be best described as politics. You can assist in decreasing the likelihood of misuse of practice by ensuring that policies, guidelines, and proper financial practices are practiced. Student faculty oversight committee Campus judicial system

Funding Issues Lack of funding – Fundraising can be time taken away from the purpose. Fundraising can provide positive experiences. Financial Record Management – Conflicts can arise when duties are neglected – Important to maintain in a timely fashion Use of funds – Two party signatures – Negative public reaction – Discuss expense readings over two meetings – propose the expense, debated, and voted. By using two meetings to be discussed allows for time for feedback

Funding Issues Budget Development – Have the financial officer prepare and present the budget to you and e-board, so they can prepare for questions. External Influences – Take care when establishing outside relationships

Role Confusion Committee: E- Board Organizational Review Chair: Tom Benton Members: Sean Smith, Yvonne Titus, Sam Clark Time line: To begin immediately upon receipt of the committee charge. Committee meeting frequency is determined by committee members. Final report due at end of present term. Purpose: To review the present org. structure of the e-board. To provide a written report to the president outlining recommendations for organizational change and the rationale for the recommendations. To identify the steps taken and the individuals who provided information to the committee in considering recommendations. Member role: To participate actively in committee discussion. To represent the constituency that appointed the member. To take information to the bimonthly organizational meetings for feedback.

Tradition and Culture A tradition that is not in line with the educational mission of the institution, or a practice that violates the student code of conduct or state and federal laws are two categories of traditions that you can work to avoid. – Stereotype an organization or person who is not a member of a org. Discuss stereotypes and the negative views associated with them. Bring members of different organizations together to speak on their purposes and programs. – Membership cliques. Identify these problems with student leaders. Design programs to combine talents and skills of new and returning members.

Communication The factor most likely to cause conflict and other problems. Nonverbal Communication, the individuals who are not currently speaking send strong messages to one another through their nonverbal communication – Advisor – active or passive participant – E-board – while a member is speaking be attentive to the individual – Members – conduct a program for members on nonverbal communication

Communication Verbal Communication – Take care to avoid siding with one view – Clarify institutional policies and procedures, understanding fiscal responsibility, to provide history – E-board should receive proper training in effectively maintain the decorum of meetings Written Communication – Should be organized and professional

Personalities MBTI – Extroversion or introversion – Sensing or intuition – Thinking or feeling – Judgment or perception StrengthsQuest

Differing Purposes Organizational level – Group constitution. – Purpose statement: guides the organization as it makes decisions, sets goals for the year, and becomes involved in campus matters. Individual Level – Important to allow members the opportunity to express their views