There are many reasons why conflict exists on teams and in organizations. Conflict is natural and even has some potential positive side effects. However, conflict can also tear a team apart. The purpose of this chapter was to prepare you to help teams help themselves through times of conflict to accomplish the following outcomes :
Higher-quality, more realistic solutions to complex problems
Higher-quality, more realistic relationships
Reduced stress levels
Enhanced belief in the team approach
Guidelines were provided to produce more constructive resolution of conflicts through the following actions:
Recognizing that conflict is inevitable and noticing when it occurs
Assessing the relative importance of the issue and the relationships involved
Using the approach that matches the assessment
If the issue is to be confronted, doing so in a manner that reduces the need for defensiveness
Being sure all parties agree on what the issue is
Separating value differences from the tangible effects of the conflict
Separating opinions from facts
Using active listening skills
Treating the conflict as a problem and applying a systematic approach to solving the problem
Focusing on the issues, not the personalities; that is, on what the issue is, not who is right or wrong
Avoiding stating a position regarding the outcomefocusing instead on the interests of the parties
As interests may be shared, opposed, or just different, attempting to focus on the shared interests
Summarizing agreed-upon solutions to verify the conclusion of the discussion
Discussing what was learned about the subject matter and the team after the conclusion
Your role as team leader should probably not include being the judge who settles conflicts between team members . Your role is to serve as a facilitator, mediator, consultant, or trainer. Your responsibilities might include
Recognizing conflict when it occurs
Modeling constructive conflict resolution behaviors, especially listening skills
Summarizing the resolution once it is achieved
Helping the group learn from the conflict
Finally, you need some strategies to help people deal with conflict. Determine which of the following you are now prepared to use:
Avoiding
Accommodating
Competing
Compromising
Collaborating
Negotiating a behavioral contract
Using the seven-step approach to dealing with difficult people