Managing Inevitable Team Conflicts

Managing Inevitable Team Conflicts

Conflict is inevitable with any team no matter how strong the bond between team members seems to be, the ability to resolve and prevent this conflict is what separates successful teams from the unsuccessful. Conflict can spontaneously erupt from a team member who has been offended or has become frustrated by something that others can not see. A charter or guidelines that have been prepared and put in place are not a guarantee that conflict will not arise between team members.

There are some ways to help eliminate conflict in a team environment, that qualifies as resolving conflict. Teams can avoid conflict by helping set a few guidelines an boundaries before a project is begun . Unlike rules that support a position of power within a team relationship, boundaries empower teammates. One can not simply create a set of boundaries without the consent and input of other team members, without this they are simply rules. A boundary can be defined as space that has been created subconsciously between an individual physically and emotionally. The definition of boundaries can be a long drawn out paper within itself, this next section will assume you know what boundaries are as well as know your own personal boundaries and how they would apply. Boundaries that are set within a team that respects each other, their actions and opinions set a good working situation between team mates and places more responsibility on each member versus having a leader of a team monitor and police their actions. Developing a reward system that is based on accomplishment and success helps keep personal boundaries loose. If two individuals are working to achieve a common goal in order to achieve a reward, both peoples boundaries will become stronger allowing things that would normally break the personal boundary to bounce of and actually help build a stronger barrier through teamwork and comradery.

Once every member of the team understands each persons boundaries as well as their...

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