How to Deal With Problems in a Team
Dealing with problems that arise in teams can be difficult. Group dynamics can create confusion around problems and make it difficult to isolate the cause from effect. Often teams are well intentioned and excited about the team's goals when it first forms but fall victim to the close bonds or cohesion that results. Team members often avoid addressing problems or disagreeing with each other because they do not want to upset the relationship they have established. While dealing with problems may be uncomfortable for the team, it is necessary for the team to perform optimally.
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Instructions
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Schedule a group meeting with team to address the problem. Bringing awareness to the team that a problem exists allows the team to address the issue collaboratively and keeps individual members from feeling singled out. Addressing the problem openly also demonstrates leadership and encourages a cohesive approach.
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Ask team members to tell what they feel the problem is. This allows team members a chance to air any unseen conflicts that may be contributing to the overall problem.
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Restate the team's goals and mission. Remind members about the excitement and commitment they had at the team's forming. Direct the group's attention to the tasks that need to be accomplished, how problems will be handled, what is considered acceptable behavior in the group and any barriers the group perceives in accomplishing the team's goals and mission.
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Resolve problem in the team by asking team members for input. Ask for team members' commitment toward future cooperation and resolving the problem. Listen to what members say, approach the problem from a positive viewpoint and affirm the team's efforts. Encourage constructive feedback and criticism that is focused on resolution. Identify the cause of the problem and find a solution that everyone can agree with.
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Build trust and improve communication processes within the team. Demonstrate your own commitment to making the team a success. Discuss opportunities for improving communication between team members and how the team can prevent future problems. Remind team members of their roles and why their cooperation is important to the overall success of the team. Likewise, remind team members how individuals are interdependent.
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Engage in a team-building activity. This can be an icebreaker that helps members relax and get to know each other a little better, a short celebration of the team's resolution or an informal get-together. While over socializing can become a problem by itself, some socializing is helpful to keep the team motivated and morale high when overcoming problems.
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References
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