Resolving feuds with other departments

• Groups can become enemies without even trying.
• The more that members identify with their own group the greater the odds of developing us-them attitudes with other groups.
• Surface disputes might only be symptoms.
• Rival groups will create reasons to attack where none exist.
• The key is to remove the underlying rivalry, not the symptoms.]
• Start by praising your opponents, saying how important they are.
• Do the opposite of what you feel like doing - attacking and criticizing.
• Find mutual goals or common enemies.
• Say that you now see what a valuable ally they could be.
• Forge a partnership, focusing on how you can help each other.
• Create a pan-group identity - one that applies to both groups.
• What synergies might there be to build on for working more cooperatively?
• The bottom line: Use praise and positive feedback rather than focusing on points of disagreement wherever possible.