Scenario - You are working in a hospital, and a group of nurses have become vocal about the working conditions. The nurses are from different units in the hospital, and they are upset about the nurse:patient ratio, the mandatory meetings they are required to attend and not get paid, the skipped meals because there was no one to watch their patients if they were to leave, and, the list goes on. Part of the group wants to look into pursuing this through legal channels. You are part of a group that believes that the Administration should be given an opportunity to correct the situation by negotiating with the nurses.
The problem is magnified by the conflict between the groups of nurses, and it is hard to show a unified front when the nurses are arguing with each other. You want to address the whole group of nurses, and you are trying to put together a speech that will unite the nurses.
Read the scenario above and answer the following questions:
What ideas do you have about a message to all the nurses?
What lessons about conflict have you learned that you can apply to this situation?
What direction will you decide to lead this group?
Lessons About Conflict Applied to This Situation
The conflict among the nurses is a classic example of Goal Conflict masked by Relationship Conflict. Understanding these lessons is crucial for leading the group effectively.
Distinguish Positional Bargaining from Interest-Based Negotiation:
The Lesson: Nurses are currently arguing over positions ("We must sue now" vs. "We must negotiate first"). These positions are conflicting. However, their underlying interests are identical (better ratios, paid time, safe practice).
Application: I would focus the discussion entirely on those shared interests. I would ask: "What is the result we all want?" The result is safety, compensation, and respect. Negotiation and legal action are merely different methods to achieve the same end. By establishing the common interest (safe practice), the choice of method becomes a pragmatic, objective debate rather than a moral argument.
Recognize the Role of Emotional Scarcity in Fueling Conflict:
The Lesson: When people feel overworked, uncompensated, and unsafe (emotional scarcity), their capacity for empathy and compromise is severely limited. This scarcity makes them rigid and aggressive toward perceived opponents, even within their own group.
Application: The message must explicitly validate the fatigue and frustration (acknowledge and validate), which can temporarily relieve the pressure valve. I would stress that this fight is about eliminating the scarcity (getting more resources, more rest, more time), uniting them against the source of the scarcity (the system).
The Importance of a Single, Legitimate Voice:
The Lesson: Unresolved conflict leads to "spokesperson chaos," where multiple, competing voices dilute the message and allow the decision-maker (Administration) to dismiss the concerns as disorganized and illegitimate.
Application: I would emphasize that unity is not about everyone agreeing on the how right now, but about agreeing on the who. The group must commit to selecting one Negotiating/Action Team that is diverse, representative of all units, and empowered to speak on behalf of the collective. This structure imposes immediate discipline on the conflict and projects strength.
Sample Answer
This is a challenging but common scenario in healthcare. A unified approach is essential for any successful negotiation or change initiative.
Ideas for a Message to All Nurses 🤝
The message must be framed around shared values and common goals to move the group beyond internal conflict and toward collective action.
Core Message: From Shared Pain to Unified Power