Teamwork & Conflict Resolution

Teamwork & Conflict Resolution

Relationship between Teamwork and Conflict

  • Effective decision-making is often dependent on good teamwork.

  • Good teamwork is characterized by a positive attitude.

  • Disagreements in the workplace and personal life are inevitable due to:

    • Diverse personalities

    • Different goals

    • Varied working styles

  • Learning to manage conflict can:

    • Build better teams

    • Foster innovative solutions

    • Create a healthier workplace culture

Team Player Style

  • The Parker Team Player Survey identifies four styles of team members: Contributor, Collaborator, Communicator, and Challenger.

  • Understanding each person’s team player style can:

    • Enhance team communication

    • Increase team effectiveness

    • Improve leadership

    • Assist in conflict and relationship management

    • Aid in team building

Which One Are You? - Contributor

  • Contributor Characteristics

    • Task-oriented team member

    • Provides technical information and data

    • Sets high performance standards

    • Utilizes resources wisely

  • Descriptors:

    • Responsible

    • Authoritative

    • Reliable

    • Proficient

    • Organized

  • Concerns: May focus too much on details and neglect the positive team climate.

Which One Are You? - Collaborator

  • Collaborator Characteristics

    • Goal-directed team member

    • Sees vision/mission/goal as paramount

    • Flexible and open to new ideas

    • Willing to contribute outside defined roles

  • Descriptors:

    • Forward-looking

    • Goal-directed

    • Accommodating

    • Flexible

    • Imaginative

  • Concerns: May overlook individual needs of other team members.

Which One Are You? - Communicator

  • Communicator Characteristics

    • Process-oriented member

    • Effective listener

    • Facilitates involvement and conflict resolution

    • Promotes informal, relaxed climate

  • Descriptors:

    • Supportive

    • Considerate

    • Relaxed

    • Enthusiastic

    • Tactful

  • Concerns: May avoid confrontation and favor processes over completing tasks.

Which One Are You? - Challenger

  • Challenger Characteristics

    • Questions goals, methods, and ethics of the team

    • Disagrees with authority

    • Encourages well-conceived risks

  • Descriptors:

    • Honest

    • Outspoken

    • Principled

    • Ethical

    • Adventurous

  • Concerns: May struggle to know when to back off, leading to potential self-righteousness.

Conflict Overview

  • Nature of Conflict:

    • Inevitable and not inherently good or bad.

    • Influenced by cultural norms in engagement and resolution.

    • May arise from:

    • Real or perceived incompatible goals

    • Scarce resources

    • Opposing viewpoints

  • Levels of Conflict:

    • Within individuals

    • Between individuals

    • Between groups

    • Between organizations

  • Types of Conflict:

    • Goal Conflict: Disagreements in objectives.

    • Cognitive Conflict: Intellectual disagreements.

    • Affective Conflict: Emotional disagreements.

    • Behavioral Conflict: Disparities in behavior.

  • Conflict Management Styles:

    • Competing: Dominating the issue.

    • Avoiding: Ignoring the conflict.

    • Accommodating: Yielding to others.

    • Compromising: Finding a middle ground.

    • Collaborating: Working together for a mutually beneficial solution.

7 Steps for Resolving a Conflict in the Workplace

  1. Find Common Ground:

    • Highlight shared goals as a basis for constructive dialogue.

  2. Investigate the Situation:

    • Engage stakeholders to understand both viewpoints.

  3. Brainstorm Solutions:

    • Encourage non-judgmental sharing of ideas.

  4. Agree on a Solution:

    • Aim for a fair and realistic resolution.

  5. Document the Incident:

    • Record details of the conflict and resolution.

  6. Establish Roles:

    • Clearly define responsibilities to ensure teamwork.

  7. Follow Up:

    • Maintain communication to check on well-being and adherence to agreements.

Additional Tips for Managing Conflict

Tip 1: Take Immediate Action

  • Resolving conflicts quickly minimizes tension.

  • Miscommunications can often be resolved through transparent discussions.

Tip 2: Frame Discussions Positively

  • Avoid wording meetings as “conflict resolution” to reduce tension.

  • Instead, use terms like “brainstorming” or “chat session.”

Tip 3: Focus on the Issue, Not the Person

  • Encourage problem-solving rather than personal attacks.

Tip 4: Practice Active Listening

  • Listen to each party without interruption.

  • Use open-ended questions to invite dialogue.

  • Reiterate messages in your own words for clarity.

Conflict Resolution Assignment

  • The conflict resolution assignment is tracked for the DPD program.

  • A minimum score of 70% (21/30 points) is required to demonstrate competency.

  • If a grade below C is achieved, the student should reach out to the instructor for a remediation plan.

  • Competency in all KRDNs across the DPD curriculum is necessary for graduation verification.

  • KRDN 5.4: Practice resolving differences or dealing with conflict.

Questions

  • Post questions in the "Have a Question?" Discussion forum!