Shifting our perspective
Open communication is key to good working relationships, and actions speak as loudly as words. All of us have a role to play in creating the culture of the festival that we want to see.
The sense of energy and urgency during a festival, and the differing needs and communication styles of the many different stakeholders involved, can lead to issues and misunderstandings. When people are tired or stretched, emotions can run high and our interpersonal and communication skills can start to be negatively impacted.
When things get challenging during a festival, connect back to the common goals of your team-mates and the festival and remember that all members of a festival team are needed to create the outcomes we seek. Each element and role are totally interconnected. We do this together. By harnessing this ability to step back, you gain perspective. You are part of something bigger than you, and knowing this can help you find meaning and stay solutions-focussed when you are faced with major setbacks and challenges that are beyond your control.
Issues in communication often underlie and exacerbate tensions and conflict. This is why working on our own communication skills can have far reaching benefits for any team we join. Here are some questions to ask yourself to indicate if you are having issues in communication at any time:
- Am I avoiding conflict?
- Am I minimising negative information to avoid provoking a reaction?
- Am I hesitant to share my concerns as I think they will cause confrontation?
- Am I keeping my concerns to myself or sharing with my manager and other agencies?
- Am I relieved when there is no answer on the phone?
- Am I taking on more responsibilities or a greater workload to avoid talking about an issue?
Positive change
Although conflict can feel hard, avoiding conversations about what’s not working for you may lead to even more difficult issues in the future. Change comes from being willing to be uncomfortable – and this includes positive change!
What happens if you try to view conflict as a way to make things get better, rather than as something to avoid?
If you’re avoiding productive conflict, you are also avoiding the possible positive change that can come from difficult conversations. Try and keep these ideas in mind when having conversations to move through conflict and disagreement:
- Speak in an even, calm tone of voice and keep an eye on your body language
- Stay curious and don’t make assumptions.
- Challenge yourself to become more attached to getting to a good outcome, rather than getting your preferred outcome.
Aim to first listen, then problem solve by defining the problem clearly and collaboratively so everyone is on the same page. This often involves:
- Defining shared goals
- Generating a range of solutions
- Choosing the solution that best meets the shared goals.
- Show understanding by paraphrasing back what you’ve heard.
'I' statements
If there are external forces affecting your ability to do your work, find a time to talk to people you work with about what is happening for you. Use “I” statements rather than “You” or “We” statements.
Try to focus on behaviour and avoid personal judgements. Be as specific as possible. For example, rather than, “You are just not fitting in with the team,” try, “At rehearsal today I noticed you weren’t speaking as much as the others, is there something going on that I can support you with?”
Pay attention to your own behaviour and adjust if needed – are your words, tone, body language and actions supporting the culture you want to see? Or undermining it?
