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Course 2, Discussion 5: Conflict Resolution 101: Dealing with Gossip and Triangulation

FrenchToast December 5th, 2022

Let's call you Person A. Now, you have a problem with Person B and really dont know what to do about it. You go to Person C to discuss it. This is triangulation, when a problem between 2 people comes to involved a 3rd person unnecessarily.

While gossiping is spreading or engaging in the discussion of any information that is not true, exaggerated or hurtful to the individual. If you are not comfortable saying the same to someone directly, it is likely gossip and should not be shared with third person.

The triangulation process can happen in all relationships. Let's say someone is offended by another user. Triangulation can be very tempting, but it ultimately only ends up negatively impacting all involved. Having clear, calm, and honest conversation is challenging and requires you to overcome your fears, but, when done right, it positively impacts all involved.

At times a person doesn't realize that some words or phrases may seem intimidating to another person.We all come from different backgrounds thus it is important for us to support each other.

Why is triangulation unhelpful?

Because it perpetuates the spread of information, which can be hurtful to those involved. It lends itself to rumor spreading and it takes a private situation between two users and exposes it to more people.

What should you do if someone comes to you for support on something which occurred in the community?

1) Never share the names of another user

2) Never share specific details of a chat with another user

3) If someone wants to share with you, please say this:

"I am sorry this happened! Sounds like a challenging situation. As to avoid triangulation, it would be best for you to practice conflict resolution with that person. If conflict resolution is not possible, please let a community manager know by filing a L-L report. Please do not share this situation with other users as to preserve confidentiality.

Special note: You should avoid triangulation with all other users, including mentors, group mods, peer supporters, mentor leaders and ambassadors. Any time a situation cannot be worked out via conflict resolution, please file a L-L report.

We have covered the don’ts, now lets see how we can resolve conflict.

  1. Step back and slow down

    1. Think before you put your words across in order to avoid something that will escalate the conflict.

  2. Show clarity regarding your intentions and goals for the conversation

    1. Listen to learn something new and express your views and feelings professionally.

    2. Avoid blaming or changing another person's point of view.

  3. Avoid assumptions and ask questions to explore the other persons story

    1. Do not convince them you are right.

    2. Listen to the person on the opposite end as they will more likely try to understand you.

  4. Express your feelings without holding the other person accountable for the conflict

    1. Use I statements to express yourself.

    2. State a feeling rather than judging.

  5. Be responsible for your assumptions

    1. On the internet, messages can be interpreted in several ways. To think that your beliefs and conclusions about others are the truth, will only escalate the conflict.

  6. Find a common ground

    1. Reaching a common ground will make it easier to resolve the conflict and will diffuse defensiveness.

✒️ Taking responsibility for our actions: Take the Pledge!

As a listener in our community, it is your responsibility to stop triangulation when you see it or are invited to participate in it. Doing this will keep our community healthy and moving in a positive direction. I challenge you all to take the Avoiding Triangulation Pledge:

"In all of my interactions on 7 Cups, I will work to maintain healthy relationships and a supportive environment by stopping the spread of rumors and misinformation. I will maintain professionalism by not involving myself in conversations or situations which do not include me or require my presence."

✒️ Please reply to at least 1 of your peers in this thread with encouraging or supportive words!

❗❗After posting, please...

1. Take the course exam here to complete course 2.

2. Proceed to Course 3!


🔉This post is brought to you by the Leadership Development Program, find information on it here tinyurl.com/AcademyLDP

235
8grim8 November 11th, 2023

@FrenchToast

In all of my interactions on 7 Cups, I will work to maintain healthy relationships and a supportive environment by stopping the spread of rumors and misinformation. I will maintain professionalism by not involving myself in conversations or situations which do not include me or require my presence. :)


1 reply
ABrightBlueHeart December 3rd, 2023

@8grim8

Cheers mate! Even irl, as entertaining as gossiping is, I'm starting to notice all the amazing conversations that happen with friends and family when we tend to avoid it :') 

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WeEarth November 11th, 2023

@FrenchToast

In all of my interactions on 7 Cups, I will work to maintain healthy relationships and a supportive environment by stopping the spread of rumors and misinformation. I will maintain professionalism by not involving myself in conversations or situations which do not include me or require my presence.

I, WeEarth hereby took the pledge.

1 reply
Kristynsmama December 2nd, 2023

@WeEarth

congrats on taking the pledge!  I just took it too!

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Kristynsmama December 2nd, 2023

@FrenchToast

i actually really love this pledge and the commitment you are asking us as leaders to make.

In all of my interactions on 7 Cups, I will work to maintain healthy relationships and a supportive environment by stopping the spread of rumors and misinformation. I will maintain professionalism by not involving myself in conversations or situations which do not include me or require my presence.

signed by:  Kristynsmama

1 reply
crypticwhisperss1 December 13th, 2023

@Kristynsmama

I am proud of you for taking this pledge as an opportunity to stay committed! This is an important step towards achieving integrity, responsibility, and dedication as a listener on this platform. I hope that you can always find things to look up to when you use 7 Cups! You're doing amazing. 😊💗

~ Xaverie

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ABrightBlueHeart December 3rd, 2023

@FrenchToast

✒️ Taking responsibility for our actions: Take the Pledge!

"In all of my interactions on 7 Cups, I will work to maintain healthy relationships and a supportive environment by stopping the spread of rumors and misinformation. I will maintain professionalism by not involving myself in conversations or situations which do not include me or require my presence."

1 reply
wonderousLove3994 February 17th

@ABrightBlueHeart great to see you doing the pledge

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Comfortablesmile December 8th, 2023

Comfortablesmile pledge

"In all of my interactions on 7 Cups, I will work to maintain healthy relationships and a supportive environment by stopping the spread of rumors and misinformation. I will maintain professionalism by not involving myself in conversations or situations which do not include me or require my presence."

crypticwhisperss1 December 13th, 2023

@FrenchToast

My (crypticwhisperss1's) Listener Course: 

In all of my interactions on 7 Cups, I will work to maintain healthy relationships and a supportive environment by stopping the spread of rumors and misinformation. I will maintain professionalism by not involving myself in conversations or situations which do not include me or require my presence.

Signed: //crypticwhisperss1//

Date: 12/13/23

~ Xaverie

😊💗

starryCandy6123 December 14th, 2023

"In all of my interactions on 7 Cups, I will work to maintain healthy relationships and a supportive environment by stopping the spread of rumors and misinformation. I will maintain professionalism by not involving myself in conversations or situations which do not include me or require my presence."

1 reply
Rosey16 December 17th, 2023

Great job keep going

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Rosey16 December 17th, 2023

In all of my interactions on 7 cups, I will work to maintain healthy relationships and a supportive environment by stopping the spread of rumors and misinformation. I will maintain professionalism by not involving myself in conversations or situations which do not include me or require my presence.

Rosey16


1 reply
Soul576 December 19th, 2023

@Rosey16

You're doing really well!!

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Soul576 December 19th, 2023

@FrenchToast

In all of my interactions on 7 Cups, I will work to maintain healthy relationships and a supportive environment by stopping the spread of rumors and misinformation. I will maintain professionalism by not involving myself in conversations or situations which do not include me or require my presence.

Signed: Soul576

1 reply
CaringSub December 27th, 2023

@Soul576

Yay! Keep up the great work!

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CaringSub December 27th, 2023

@FrenchToast

In all of my interactions on 7 Cups, I will work to maintain healthy relationships and a supportive environment by stopping the spread of rumors and misinformation. I will maintain professionalism by not involving myself in conversations or situations which do not include me or require my presence.

signed CaringSub

1 reply
AwarmHEART December 28th, 2023

@CaringSub 🥳

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