Overt and Covert Group Dynamics: An Innovative Approach for Conflict Resolution Preparation

Group work is a necessary but often bewildering part of working in the field of conflict resolution. Although programs provide skill practice courses to prepare conflict professionals, their opportunity to engage in settings that reflect the challenging work of operating in the midst of a heightened emotional environment is limited. One course that at least approximates those conditions is based on the Tavistock approach to group relations and emulates the covert and overt dynamics that occur in groups. This article advocates for experiential educational events such as this to improve training for conflict resolution professionals and is supported by interview data collected from participants.