Previous installments of this series have focused on the initial structuring of the guild, how to go about deciding what types of positions are needed, and how to start filling those roles. No system is ever perfect, however, and eventually some type of issue (i.e. drama) will arise. This may be extremely minor, or potentially something that could tear the guild apart. Knowing how to deal with such a situation and understanding basic “damage control” will go a long way toward ensuring the former.

Step One: Stop

I don’t mean to stop what you are doing, or to suddenly disband a group or halt a run. I mean take a moment not to say a word or respond. Wait. Think about what has happened or is being said. Mull it over. Pause. Ask for more information or clarification if you are not completely certain of what is meant.

Step Two: Pause a Moment Longer

Seriously, taking an extra moment to consider the situation or your response is often the step that keeps something minor from escalating into something much, much worse.

Step Three: The Investigation

This step can mean so many different things it is easily beyond the scope of this post. The basic idea, however, is to ensure you do not make a decision based off of one person’s interpretation of the issues. One of the most worst things one can possibly do is to act upon an issue, only to discover the facts were not as relayed originally.

This particular portion will take practice, and eventually a mistake will be made. Admit your mistakes, and do what you can to rectify them. One of the best traits a leader can possess is a combination of objectiveness and the ability to admit when wrong in order to lead through the mistake.

Step Four: Resolution and Preventative Measures

Not every issue can be resolved. Accept this first and foremost. There is not a point where everyone will ever be happy with the decisions made. The objective, instead, is to promote objectivity and fairness as best possible in these dealings, even when the end result is not necessarily fair.

For example, if a guild is founded with progression in mind many things can arise that will be unfair yet just for the sake of progression. It may be a loot drop that goes to someone who is not necessarily the person who needs it most, or a raid slot going to a person because of a better chance at completion, even though someone else was signed up for that slot already.

In the end, the guild purpose, and the reason the foundation should be quite clear to begin with, is what should guide your decisions. When an issue arises, however, be prepared to explain your actions or inactions as well. When the issue is resolved you should make note of how it was resolved, and if necessary make amendments to the guild’s founding documents in order to help preempt further issues from arising.

——–

I’m sorry this post was later than normal (if I even have a normal posting pattern, I’m not sure). I don’t think Sar has her next post up in the Casual Guilds Are Not Easy! series quite yet (though I do love the reasoning), but be sure to check it out (and I’ll update here when it is posted).