Work Teams & Conflict
Conflict is inevitable when you have several people working together on a project. Rather than trying to eliminate conflict, managers and team leaders should focus on how conflict can be used to facilitate learning among team members. Conflict can be good for the team and by overcoming obstacles together, it can create a closer team that is more confident in its ability to work together and solve problems.
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Set Ground Rules
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All team members should agree to a code of conduct for the team. In addition to rules about how to interact, team members should agree to how conflict will be handled when it arises. These rules should be agreed to by all team members. Rules can include taking a break when things get heated, avoiding talking about issues outside of team meetings and brainstorming conflict resolution ideas as a team.
Identify Source of the Problem
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The source of the problem may seem to be an individual team member but in all likelihood, the source is the differences between team members in how they believe a problem should be attacked. Without being accusatory, focus on what is causing the problem. Use "I" statements when identifying problems. Brainstorm as a team to identify the source of the problem.
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Brainstorm Solutions
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Hear all team member contributions for solutions to the conflict that has arisen in the team. Every team member should feel that their ideas are being heard and considered as an effective solution to the problem. Use a set time to brainstorm all possible solutions to the problem. Ideas should not be judged when they are said. Instead the ideas should all be listed for further consideration.
Identify Top Solutions
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With a group voting system, let all team members vote on the top three solutions considering how the solution could be implemented and the resources that will be needed to implement the solution. The top three solutions will then go on to a final round of voting. If there is a tie between solutions, the senior member or manager of the team will choose the best solution to proceed with moving the team along toward its goals.
Get Feedback
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Managers of teams should always seek feedback from team members in how they can better facilitate the team and manage conflict among team members. Encourage team members to air grievances to the group rather than outside of the group or to individual members who are not involved in the conflict. Constructive feedback should be delivered on a regular basis to improve team cohesiveness and effectiveness in the workplace.
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References
- Photo Credit Three office workers image by Vladimir Melnik from Fotolia.com
