Complicated interpersonal dynamics can create a very poor quality of communication that not only feels bad but also gets in the way of productive interaction, at least as often as differences about the issues. Unfortunately, the trained group facilitators needed to deal effectively with conflicts of this kind are not available in this or most projects at this time. Hopefully, it will be possible in the future.

Solution: In the absence of this kind of trained expertise, people who want to facilitate real time Dialogue Network for Action (DNA) groups will be asked to familiarize themselves with online descriptions of the ground rules and group structures we have designed to deal with personal issues and interpersonal conflicts whenever they appear. Online instruction will be available to help volunteer group facilitators apply these structures in practice.

Facilitators will determine the time available for each participant to speak, in consultation with group members. They will also be responsible for keeping all speakers on track and for seeing to it that each is heard, responded to, and if possible understood. These things will be easier to do because each real time group will be limited in size to no more than six participants and one facilitator. The primary task of the facilitator will be to ensure that all questions are expressed and answered, misunderstandings corrected, and conflicts that can’t be prevented worked through and if possible resolved. This process will be somewhat easier than might be expected because the participants who directly interact in small groups will have been matched for the compatibility and similarity of their ideas and their target issues.