# Teamwork Conflict Management Training and Conflict Resolution Practice via Large Language Models
## 4 Conflict Management Training and Practice
### Operationalizing Transformative Learning Pedagogy
#### 4.2.2 Step 2: Practice  
The second phase of the instructional sequence was for the students to practice conflict management. For this, a simulation scenario was designed using ChatGPT 3.5 [61]. Students were presented with a scenario in which they would simulate having a difficult conversation with a teammate. The practice scenario involved a potential situation that could happen within the course as part of their semester-long project. Students were asked to imagine a situation in which they have a team member who is not collaborating effectively (missing deadlines, not replying to messages, submitting poor-quality work). They were presented with a situation in which they were concerned about the project's success and the team's dynamics, and they decided to set up a meeting with the team members to address the situation. Their goals in this meeting were as follows:  
* Clearly express their concerns regarding the conflict situation. * Listen actively to the team member's perspective. * Work towards a constructive resolution or compromise that benefits the team and project. Students were presented with three potential scenarios: (1) a scenario where a team member consistently misses deadlines (refer to prompt in Table 4); (2) a scenario where a team member is non-communicative and has recently not shown up to the group meetings (refer to prompt in Table 5); and (3) a scenario where a team member consistently submits poor quality work (refer to prompt in Table 6). Students were asked to select only one scenario. \begin{table}
\begin{tabular}{l} \hline \hline
**Strategies and Best Practices** \\ \hline \hline Communicate Effectively \\ \hline \(\bullet\) & Use “I” Statements: Frame your concerns from your perspective to avoid blaming or accusing others. For example, “I feel frustrated when deadlines are missed” instead of “You always miss deadlines”. \\ \(\bullet\) & Be Specific and Objective: Clearly articulate the issue and why it is a problem, focusing on specific behaviors and their impacts rather than personal attributes. \\ Seek Common Ground \\ \(\bullet\) & Focus on Shared Goals: Remind everyone of the common objectives and how resolving the conflict benefits the team and project. \\ \(\bullet\) & Propose Multiple Solutions: Encourage brainstorming of multiple ways to resolve the conflict, which can lead to innovative solutions that satisfy all parties. \\ Embrace a Collaborative Approach \\ \(\bullet\) & Involve Everyone in the Resolution: Engage all parties in the conversation to find a solution. This inclusivity ensures buy-in and commitment to the resolution. \\ \(\bullet\) & Compromise When Necessary: Be willing to give a little to reach a solution that is acceptable to everyone. Compromise can often lead to stronger team cohesion. \\ Address Issues Promptly \\ \(\bullet\) & Act Quickly: Do not let conflicts fester. Addressing issues early can prevent them from escalating and affecting team morale. \\ \(\bullet\) & Seek Help if Needed: If resolving the conflict within the team is challenging, consider seeking assistance from a mediator or supervisor. \\ Reflect and Learn \\ \(\bullet\) & Reflect on the Experience: After resolving the conflict, take time as a team to discuss what was learned and how similar situations can be handled better in the future. \\ \(\bullet\) & Develop Conflict Resolution Skills: Consider training or workshops on conflict resolution for ongoing skill development. \\ \hline \hline \end{tabular}
\end{table} 
Table 3: _Cont._
**Prompt for Option 2**  
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##Instruction### You are a university student in a system analysis and design course in the US. You're part working on a semester-long project with work divided into four milestones. You've been missing deadlines and not contributing effectively, causing concern among your teammates. When approached about this issue, you tend to be defensive and find excuses, reflecting a lack of collaboration. This behavior has led to repeated conflicts within the team.