3 Conflict Resolution Activities with Readymade Role Play Scenarios

Objective: To help participants practice and understand key principles of conflict resolution including communication, empathy, and mediation techniques.

Activity 1 – Conflict Resolution Role Playing Activity

Objective: To practice resolving conflicts through effective communication and active listening.

Step-by-step instructions:

• Divide participants into pairs or small groups.
• Provide each group with a conflict scenario relevant to the training context (examples below).
• Assign roles: one as the "conflict initiator," the other as the "conflict resolver."
• Initiators express concerns while resolvers practice active listening and respond appropriately.
• Resolvers should use paraphrasing, open-ended questions, and empathy.
• After role-plays, facilitate a group discussion to share insights and challenges.

Key Learning:

Participants will learn to understand multiple perspectives and respond using empathetic, constructive communication.

Role Play Scenarios:

• Scenario 1 – Remote Team Tension:
  Priya (remote developer) feels pressured by Jordan (onsite lead) to meet tight deadlines without regard to different time zones. Priya thinks expectations are unrealistic; Jordan believes accountability is slipping.
• Scenario 2 – University Project Dispute:
  Leah and Carlos are assigned to a group project. Leah believes Carlos isn’t contributing enough; Carlos feels Leah is micromanaging and unclear with directions.
• Scenario 3 – Restaurant Complaint:
  Dana, a dissatisfied diner, complains to Sam, the restaurant manager, about a long wait and a cold meal. Sam must follow policy while addressing Dana’s frustration.
• Scenario 4 – Budget Clash:
  Olivia, a project manager, asks for additional funds; Marcus, the finance officer, says there’s no room in the budget and urges cost-cutting.
• Scenario 5 – Neighborhood Noise Issue:
  Mr. Ahmed is disturbed by Ms. Turner’s late-night rehearsals. She argues it’s essential for an upcoming concert and not frequent.

Training Activity 2 – Identifying Triggers and Personal Styles

Objective: To help participants recognize their conflict styles and triggers that escalate disagreements.

Instructions:

• Introduce conflict styles: avoiding, accommodating, compromising, collaborating, and competing.
• Discuss common conflict triggers (e.g., miscommunication, deadlines, values).
• In small groups, participants identify their styles and share experiences.
• Brainstorm strategies to manage triggers more effectively.

Key Learning:

This activity builds self-awareness and gives participants strategies to defuse conflict situations proactively.

Conflict Resolution Styles Explained:

• Avoiding: Stepping back or withdrawing from the conflict.
• Accommodating: Prioritizing others' needs to maintain peace.
• Compromising: Seeking a balanced middle-ground outcome.
• Collaborating: Working together for a win-win solution.
• Competing: Prioritizing one’s own goals with assertiveness.

Training Activity 3 – The Mediator’s Role Play

Objective: To develop skills in mediating conflicts between two parties.

Instructions:

• Form groups of three: two conflicted parties and one mediator.
• Provide the conflicting parties with their perspectives beforehand.
• The mediator facilitates a conversation using techniques like reframing and finding common ground.
• Rotate roles so everyone gets a chance to mediate.

Fictional Conflict Scenario:

Context: A property dispute between neighbors Mr. Johnson and Ms. Lee. Both claim ownership over a small piece of land. The mediator’s task is to create a respectful dialogue, uncover root issues, and guide the parties toward a compromise.

Key Learning:

Participants gain confidence in handling tense discussions impartially and constructively, with a focus on long-term resolution.