Settling Disputes

Disputes, put simply, are disagreements; well- hopefully. As most other things are, disputes have different levels of intensity, different levels of importance, and any number of other factors involved. Essentially, all of these must be accounted for when mediating said disputes. Also, there is never, necessarily, an answer that it totally correct, since it's a matter of disagreement. Indeed, the only really good way to end the dispute is to have the members themselves end it between each other; hopefully, this, too, will end in a positive light. Like I said though, there's really no perfectly right or wrong way to go about this- it can't necessarily be taught. However, we can offer you some advice as well as fair warning when it comes to mediating the bouts between members.

Basic Ideas

This doesn't necessarily account for all arguments, but I can bet you that most of the arguments you're going to see have a couple of main differences. Is the argument between new members or between old members? (You won't see one between a new and old member very often, because the younger member generally loses out right away just because the older member is a veteran; doesn't matter if they're wrong, that's just how 'respect for authority' works itself out.) I can also tell you that arguments between younger/newer members, are usually a bit more petty and can probably be stopped by correcting the individuals initial problem: disrespect, lack of manners, etc. Again, don't get me wrong- a new member, if they're older, especially, can really stir up some dust. That, my friend, is why you're going to have a much more intense, passionate argument between two older members. You start getting into the middle of a dispute between older members/commanders: you may have your hands full in a hurry, and that's when you might want to call in the big guns (big commanders). Either way, since the disputes between the commanders/older members are generally more sensitive and difficult to win, that's the one we're going to focus on.

I can't tell you how you're going to find out about the argument: perhaps someone will come to you (if this happens, it'll probably be a newer, younger member because the older folks like to think they can solve things on their own, usually in a kind of power bout), or perhaps you'll simply discover that an argument is the source of so much tension between fellow commanders, but, either way, it needs to be dealt with as quickly as possible. These kinds of arguments, especially in older members, just because it's human nature, can turn into pretty nasty things if you let them fester. Again, if you think you can handle the dispute, go for it. Why? Because you don't want to have to call in a higher command if you don't have to; not only does it prove to the people involved that they can handle their own affairs, but it also lessens the chance that people will be rebuked for little or no reason; again, big guns means big pain. The higher-ups frown big time on commanders that infight: it looks like little girls fighting over a swing-set, and that's probably how they'll discipline those commanders. Either way- not a good way to impress anybody. SO: go for it before it has to come to that.

• Don't pretend to be an expert: say only what you know. Trying to solve a problem that's beyond your knowledge or experience can anger the individuals involved and, eventually, you'll probably fade out of the argument anyway.

• Also, you're not going to be considered a very worthy individual if you're record isn't the best, so you need to make sure you've maintained a fairly clean slate as far as confrontations, or you're gonna get pulled apart.

• Continue to make sure that you can hold your own in there: you're no good to the process if you don't have the respect of the people you're trying to help.

• Turn the argument into a discussion; take the heat out- the passion can remain, but nothing can be done when two members are angry at one another The best turnout is when they end up agreeing on something.

• When settling a dispute, you need to make sure both sides are given equal time and your judgment is explained to show an understanding of both sides. In this way, one hopes to avoid one member feeling ignored or stepped over.

• If you can, reduce the situation to what it really is: a responsibility issue that needs to be corrected, or the need for someone to apologize for rude behavior, or simply being greedy or overly prideful. Though members are passionate, it's sometimes best to just let it go- you can remind the members of that. Simply let it go if it's really not all that important to begin with.

• Every situation is different: set the tone accordingly.

So- did we really teach you how to end an argument here? No- we're simply telling you that you'll need to. Consider this a fair warning of what's ahead and what you'll need to learn to deal with. We ask you to command your pilots accordingly, but there is more to the career of a commander than just commanding. Granted, if you don't think you can handle the situation stated above: butt out. It's one thing to be a leader and do what you can do end the situation, but you need to know your limits. The best to you in settling disputes, my friend.