| Keywords: | Giving Feedback; Conflict Resolution; Problem-solving; Self-expression |
| Objectives: |
| Target group: | Groups of mature young adults and adults who know each other and who are experiencing conflict within their group. Emotional maturity is essential. Also recommended for groups of people who work in a hierarchical system which doesn’t allow for open expression of feelings and opinions. Not suitable for children or teenagers. |
| Duration: | 30 – 180 minutes depending on group size, how well the participants know each other and the level of existing conflict. |
| Methodology step-by-step: | 1. Ask the participants to sit in a circle. Tell them to sit comfortably because the exercise could be quite lengthy. 2. Show the conversational object to the group. 3. Explain the rules of the game: A) Just the person that has the object in their hands may speak. B) Pass the object from person to person in sequential order – nobody may be left out. C) Nobody is allowed to interrupt. D) Nobody can leave the circle until the object has been passed to everyone. 4. Give the object to the first person, who then begins the round by expressing their thoughts, feelings and feedback on the situation of conflict. 5. Allow the object to continue to be passed around the group until the conflict has been resolved. Note: The first round is usually one of protest and claims; the second and third are of exposing the cause of the problem and from the fourth round, there is problem resolution. This process must be allowed to develop by itself, without intervention. It is essential that all the above rules are respected. |
| Resources needed: | A precious and sturdy object Chairs or a seating situation that allow people to sit comfortably in a circle for a long time No telephones or communication devices are allowed in the circle |
| Challenges: | Some participants may not respect the rules and may intimidate some of the participants. An inflexible hierarchy that does not allow for comments or critique could sabotage the activity. There could be violent outbursts of emotion. |