Team Conflict Handling Tips

Every now and then, teams experience conflicts and arguments as members work together on a task at hand. These misunderstandings are expected if there are two or more individuals involved in carrying out a task. Conflicts may arise out of differences in personalities, opposing views or opinions, lack of guidance and many other reasons for a disagreement. Although conflict and disagreement may mean the same, there is an underlying difference between the two situations.

A disagreement in a discussion or clash of opinions is what called as arguments A conflict is a disagreement that constitutes emotions. It can disrupt the regular work activity of team members and can threaten teamwork, loyalty, trust, and team spirit.

A team conflict is sometimes necessary to challenge the teamwork among individuals. In fact, healthy and constructive conflicts can transform a team into a highly functional and effective unit. However, a conflict that is not addressed might weaken the team spirit and destroy the strength of the team as a whole. This is not the way an effective team works. Since conflicts are unavoidable in a team, the best way is dealing it effectively.

Constructive and Destructive Conflict

Before conflict can be resolved, it is important to understand when a conflict is constructive and when it becomes destructive to a team. Below is a study conducted by a researcher, Thomas Capozzoli, on the results of both constructive and destructive conflicts.

Constructive Conflict occurs when:

1. Individuals go through personal change and growth from the conflict
2. The conflict turns from a problem to a solution
3. All team members affected by the conflict participate and get involved
4. Conflict develops cooperation and unity among the team members

Destructive Conflict occurs when:

1. The team cannot arrive at a consensus and the problem persists
2. It hinders other team building activities from bringing the members together
3. It damages team spirit and confidence
4. It destroys the team or disbands the team

Dealing with Team Conflicts

Respecting the opinions and perceptions of individuals who are involved in the conflict is an essential factor in team conflict resolution. A team must maintain a constructive way of dealing with disagreements, as outlined above. Here are some tips in managing conflicts that occur in a team:

• Always stay in control of personal emotions. Conflicts involve emotions, so a team member must make sure not to make other individuals an outlet of one’s anger or frustration.

• Be direct and sincere in expressing concerns. A person has to express problems in the team clearly and sincerely so that the rest of the team will understand the situation.

• If the problem is from another team member, get to the source right away. It is best to approach that person and talk things out without affecting the entire team.

• Get down into finding a way to solve the conflict. Instead of dwelling on the issue, move forward to outlining options or solutions to resolve the conflict.

• Listen actively and attentively. In disagreements, listening is an important key. Opposing views will be heard and both parties will reach a compromise instead of closing the mind from opinions and suggestions.

• Never run away from the conflict. This is just the worst strategy that team members can do. Running away from the problem never really solves the problem at all; it only worsens it.

Essential Team Skills in Conflict Resolution

Communication Skills - Team members have to  develop good communication skills continuously. Being able to convey a message to other people and express ideas well can minimize assumptions and even prevent conflicts from happening.

Listening Skill - Active listening is an essential component of effective communication. To listen well means to understand the other person’s message. From there, appropriate responses will be provided and misunderstandings will not get in the way.

Problem Solving Skills - Conflicts and disagreements can be treated as problems in a team. With good analytical skills, the issues will be dealt with accordingly.

Feedback - This is an effective technique in resolving team conflicts. Constructive feedback must be given to the parties involved in the conflict.