Summary
As civic designers, we are adept at listening well, understanding complex interactions between people and within systems, and identifying creative opportunities. Working on teams that often comprise many disciplines, perspectives, and motivations, we must approach teamwork with intention and importance. While differing opinions and interpersonal dynamics are inevitabilities of collaborative work, our civic design superpowers uniquely position us to navigate conflict skillfully. While tackling some of our communities’ toughest, most intractable challenges, we must care for ourselves and our teams too– so that we can live well and serve sustainably. This session will begin with guided self-reflection. We will then explore conflict navigation through a lens of mindfulness, systems-thinking, and human-centered design.
Key Insights
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Conflict navigation focuses on self-awareness and co-creating solutions rather than merely managing or mediating conflicts.
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Mindfulness practices provide essential space for curiosity and compassion, critical for navigating conflict effectively.
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Collusion is a dynamic where both parties perpetuate conflict by provoking behaviors they claim to oppose, creating a positive feedback loop.
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Visualizing conflict dynamics through tools like collusion diagrams increases visibility and helps identify intervention points.
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Designers' skills in questioning assumptions and deep listening are powerful tools to disrupt conflict and foster connection.
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Positive feedback loops in conflict can escalate tensions but also be leveraged for positive transformation when redirected.
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Checking assumptions about others’ intentions can reveal alternative explanations and reduce misinterpretations.
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Building relationships with influencers around difficult stakeholders can open new pathways for conflict resolution.
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Psychological safety within teams is foundational for transparency and open communication that prevents or resolves conflicts.
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A conflict navigation pyramid guides individuals through mindful self-connection, relationship-building, listening, and finally teaching/co-creating solutions.
Notable Quotes
"Conflict navigation is about creating self-awareness of how you are in conflict and understanding your worldview and identity."
"Mindfulness gives us the space to bring curiosity and compassion, which are essential in navigating conflict."
"Collusion is a dynamic process where both parties perpetuate conflict by inviting the very behaviors they say they are fighting against."
"When we visualize each step of conflict, like in the collusion diagram, it illuminates opportunities for intervention and change."
"As designers, our superpower is questioning assumptions and critically thinking about the problems we face."
"Positive feedback loops can spiral a minor conflict into a major disruption but can also be powerful tools for transformation."
"Checking in with others directly helps build understanding and can turn conflict back into connection."
"When you’re centered and mindful, you’re much more effective in influencing and engaging with others."
"If you don’t have access to the main person causing conflict, build relationships with people who influence them."
"Psychological safety is essential to create an atmosphere where it’s safe to speak up and be imperfect."
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