Conflict resolution among adolescents: security

This is for teachers, administrators, and counselors who are involved in teen conflict resolution. Those who work with adolescents involved in conflict require special skills to facilitate a positive resolution that has significant results and lasting success.

When trying to promote positive change, a key ingredient is the acceptance of a measure of personal responsibility. When conducting group conflict resolution, it can be helpful to employ tactics used by professional groups that rely on one another for success.

The Blue Angels Precision Flight Team is a group that has demonstrated success in accepting personal responsibility. After each Blue Angel flight, the pilots meet to report on the performance. Part of this meeting involves an important section known as “taking insurance.” During this part of the report, each pilot lists specific personal errors made during the flight and an explanation of what will be done on subsequent flights to “fix my safety devices.” In conclusion, the pilot will say: “I’m happy to be here.”

“Taking insurance” is very important as every pilot could face disaster if a maneuver is not executed accurately while multiple planes are flying too close to each other.

It can be very embarrassing to admit failings between partners related to judgment or action. This takes a lot of courage and reflects strong character if one is completely honest. As the drivers “take it safe,” trust is built and the team grows in unity and performance. The Blue Angels training process provides great insight into improving human behavior and the value of taking personal responsibility.

A similar process can be used to great effect among adolescents who are struggling to deal with conflict. Acknowledging personal mistakes can go a long way toward repairing teen conflicts and resolving group differences.

Encourage positive improvement with the teens you mentor and allow them to fly straighter and higher without crashing into each other.