Conflict In Teams

Conflict in Teams

Though conflict may be inevitable, it is not always negative. The conflict resolution techniques used, or not used, play an important role to the overall success of any team. Learning and implementing sound conflict resolution strategies is of paramount importance in every team situation in order to achieve success.

In order to overcome conflict it must be understood what conflict is. According to Webster's Dictionary, one definition of conflict is: a mental struggle resulting from incompatible or opposing needs, drives, wishes, or external or internal demands. While that particular definition lists several causes of conflict, it is nowhere near a complete list. In fact, conflict can come from practically anywhere. They key is learning how to overcome it.

Perhaps the best way to overcome conflict in teams is to prevent it before it can even start. This can be achieved by creating a positive and stable environment from the very beginning ("How Does Your Team Handle Conflict," 2007). Another way to prevent conflict is through communication. Simply opening a line of communication for the team and welcoming feedback helps create positive and stable environment as listed above ("How Does Your Team Handle Conflict," 2007). Open communication allows for team members to voice their expectations in advance and helps to avoid confusion down the road. Communication allows for setting clear objectives and planning how to achieve the objectives. A large number of the causes of team conflict can be eliminated if everyone in the team is aware of the purpose of the team and the individual responsibilities of each teammate from the beginning.

Conflict prevention can only take a team so far. Eventually some sort of conflict will come up. According to Sheila Porter (2007) "Conflict in itself is not the problem. It is, rather, our reactions to conflict that determine the impact, and thus cause us to characterize it as a negative experience." With this in mind, there are several techniques to overcome conflict. First of all, understanding that conflict can be positive is a good first step. This type of understanding along with a controlled temper can actually lead to better decisions and more creativity (DeJanasz, Dowd & Schneider, 2001, pg. 244) by "bringing out synergy rather than chaos".

As mentioned above, communication can help prevent conflict, however, it is also important in overcoming conflict as well. Team members need to be aware that the communication skills they use with friends or family may not be appropriate in a more professional setting (Weinstein, 2007). Professional communication and group communication often require more tact then that of day-to-day communication. More attention needs to be paid to tone and content than in personal communication. Attention should also be paid to differences in age, sex, or race. Especially when dealing with differences that may not come up in your normal day to day communication. When it comes to differences Ellen Reddick (2006) suggests, "Manage your differences effectively. Once you've acknowledged the differences and taken time to consider the strengths of your [teammates], find ways to interact with them that will be mutually beneficial".

Other solutions are compromise and accommodation. DeJanasz, Dowd & Schneider (2001) claim compromise to be effective in the short-term. They further claim many groups use it too quickly in team or group situations. However, in temporary work groups tasked with a specific goal, compromise may be the best solution. It sets aside differences and allows the progress to continue.