Guidelines For Resolving Team Conflict

By Author: johnbaldisa
Total Articles: 7
Comment this article

A conflict arises when two members of a team have difference of opinion. It is not possible that all the members of the team will agree with one issue. Some may disagree and argue about the issue. Whenever there is conflict among the members, the team leader should find out a suitable method of resolving team conflict using a good mediator. The mediator should encourage the team members to develop positive behavior for easing the conflict situations. Instead of focusing on the destructive methods, choose only the constructive track for solving the conflict.

To begin with you should first acknowledge the conflict rather than ignore it. Even a conflict may arise for trivial matters you have to take steps and discuss the underlying issues. Discuss openly with other members of the team and develop an attitude for realizing the conflict. Also highlight what impact the conflict will have on the performance of the company. The whole team should totally agree to cooperate for arriving at a resolution. Give priority to the team and do not share your personal opinion about the conflict. Each member of the team should readily come ...
... forward for having an open communication to ventilate their feelings.

Next step in the process of resolution is to understand the situation correctly. The mediator should patiently allot time for hearing each member’s opinions. This will ease out the strong emotions which are ready to explode. If one has the faith that he or she is being understood properly it will reduce the emotion and speed of reaction. Thus by taking a perspective approach, each member of the team will get the chance for sharing his views about the issue on discussion. Though it may consume more time, still it is worth hearing to the team members when there is strong conflicting opinions.

Analyze the advantages and disadvantages of both parties thus bringing the discussion under one roof. Express openly that you are concerned very much with the opinion of each member. Encourage the members to stay in control and under no circumstances things should go out of control. Take steps for breaking the team into smaller groups carefully separating the people who are one sided. By joining the other side the individual can analyze and understand the problem from different approach. After the team gains thorough understanding of the situation, it will arrive at a decision which is agreed by all the members. Thus a mediator can interfere with the team and help in resolving team conflict by following the above mentioned guidelines.

We provide Executive coaching experience on organizational development for deep knowledge of individual motivation and behaviour. Get more Resolving Team Conflict information browse our website http://collaborative-coaching.com/services/team-building-performance/.