C.O.N.F.I.R.M Model
Group facilitation methods: Conflicts, Difficult People and/or Situations
Identification
To resolve the disagreement or conflict and make consensus during the meeting
C.O.N.F.I.R.M Method can be used as a process improvement method and for strategaic planning.
Howto
1.Clarify the problem or issue.
Each group writes the statement of the problem (or issue) on the flip chart. The groups can query each other to see whether or not their problems are the same. If their understandings of the problem are the same, then they rewrite the statement of the problem on the flip chart.
2.Outline the positions
Each group lists their own position about the problem raised in step 1 on the flip chart. The groups can query each other to better understand their positions.
3.Name the interests
Each group writes their interests about their position on the flip chart.
Interests are the needs and desires that people have in regard to a given situation.
4.Formulate the common set of interests
Put all the interests listed by the two groups onto the flip chart, then delete those interests that are not so important. The left interests should be met by any positions.
5.Integrate all positions and produce a new position
Redivide the groups by exchanging some members, then integrate all the positions and produce a new position to meet all the interests listed in step 4.
6.Revise the most acceptable position based on the other positions.
Each group presents their new position in the front, and the most acceptable position would be selected, and all members revise the selected position based on the other one.
7.Make a compromised decision
All members vote for the position. If the position is accepted by most of the members (more than 2/3), then all the members, including those who may dislike it very much, should commit to support the position.
