Team Building for Conflict Resolution in the Workplace
Because people within organizations have differing wants, needs and expectations, conflict is inevitable. It is easy to transition minor disagreements into the proverbial mountain. In fact, behind the scenes office drama can evolve insidiously and ultimately cost organizations talented employees, time and money. According to The Dana Measure of Financial Cost of Organizational Conflict (2001), "Chronic unresolved conflict acts as a decisive factor in at least 50% of departures and 90% of involuntary departures." Therefore, incorporating team building can assist employees in resolution oriented approaches to workplace conflict.
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The Cost of Conflict
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Unresolved conflict is costly. According to a 2008 study on workplace conflict performed by Myers-Briggs Assessment, they determined that U.S. employees spend an average of 2.8 hours per week dealing with conflict. This amounts to approximately "$359 billion in paid hours (average hourly earnings of $17.95), or the equivalent of 385 million working days." Some of the qualitative costs associated with unresolved conflict in the workplace include grievances and litigation, decreased productivity, increased turnover, absenteeism, injury and accidents, increased client complaints, sick leave and disability claims.
Misconceptions
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Because experiences of individuals vary, they may differ in their ideas and beliefs about what conflict is and is not. With that said, there are some common misconceptions about conflict. For instance, conflict is inherently negative, destructive and relationally damaging, it exists only in dysfunctional environments, and companies should always avoid it. In truth, conflict is common, and if it is managed appropriately, it can be positive, rewarding, an opportunity for growth and can enhance relationships and the workplace.
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Team Building Strategies
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The goal of team building is to deal with conflict in the workplace, which results in improved productivity and motivation. Removing employees from the standard office environment enables groups to break down personal and work-related barriers, have some fun, and eliminate typical distractions. The benefits of team-building programs are so significant that many corporations have incorporated team-building strategies into their standard training curriculum.
Exercises to Resolve Workplace Conflict
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A well designed curriculum implements exercises that address the core sources that result in workplace conflict. These include, dealing with change, lack of information, competition for limited resources, and the difference in values, perceptions and needs. Team-building exercises will include time for participants to consider some of the conflicts they face by reviewing real life scenarios. Do this by utilizing actual case studies to determine how to handle the conflict or disagreement. Then, encourage discussion amongst groups to demonstrate that each person can have a different interpretation and reaction to the same story. Participant awareness heightens as they begin to see that differences can be valued in the workplace.
Benefits
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Team-building is an influential way to unite a group, minimize the negative impacts of conflict, and address communication gaps that lead to conflict. There are advantages to building a team oriented organizational culture that focuses on problem solving rather than finger pointing as a model for conflict management. Some of the benefits are improved long-term relations where individuals can move beyond their differences and build healthier working relationships. Other benefits include decreased stress in the workplace,increased organizational productivity, heightened morale, and improved processes and procedures.
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References
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