Fact Fib or Future | For Conflict

Conflict Transformation Exercise based on the game “Fact Fib or Future?”

This version is NOT meant for parties in conflict with one another to do together. This is meant for a person, team or community experiencing conflict with others, to honestly self reflect without the other party present. All the prompts invite participants to look inward not outward.

A few ways to play.

A) Play with a large group and include movement: Tape three large chart papers on the wall. Label each. 1. Fact 2. Fib 3. Future. Respond to each prompt by either writing your response directly on the appropriate chart paper or by writing your response on a post it note and then posting the note on the corresponding chart paper. Physically moving through each prompt adds a valuable layer to the exercise.

B) Play with a small group and keep it conversational: Have a moderator facilitate by reading each prompt. People can share their response out loud or take a few minutes to write it out and then read it out loud.

C) Play alone and make it personal. Read the prompts. Write your response. Review what emerges.

FACT

What is true about the conflict?

Examples:

We disagree about x.

We are competing for limited resources.

Disrespect or violence has occurred.

FIB

What is untrue about the conflict?

Examples:

I know the motive and intention of everyone involved.

I understand all of the contributing factors.

Peace, resolution, healing, transformation are not possible.

DEBUNK

What evidence debunks the fibs you sometimes believe about conflict?

Examples:

As a human I have blind spots..

Emotions like anger, fear and offense often narrow vision causing me to see less of the big picture and to focus more squarely on particulars which appear larger than they actually are within a narrow frame.

I've witnessed examples of peace, resolution, healing, and transformation occur in society and or in my personal life.

FUTURE

What future is possible?

Examples:

Transformation through reconciliation

I harbor bitterness that grows into resentment.

We agree to disagree and go our separate ways.

I let it go. Forgive and move on.

I blame others and refuse to take responsibility for myself.

We labor to see each others perspectives and the experiences and factors that shape them so that we might be able to empathize .

The cycle of violence continues.

The cycle of violence ends.

FACT

What is true about you in the conflict?

Examples:

I’m frustrated, disappointed or angry that we see things differently.

I’m currently not open to change, compromise or collaboration.

I feel or I am unsafe.

FIB

What is untrue about you in the conflict?

Examples:

I’m less than.

I cannot progress or succeed

I’m 100% right in the situation

I’m 100% wrong in the situation

Reflection:

How am I contributing to the conflict?

How can I reframe the conflict to see things differently.

Based on the fact, fib and future exercise what steps can I take this week to pursue conflict transformation?

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