As a manager, you know that team conflict is never fun. But what should you do when team members experience conflict? In this post, we’ll give you some tips on how to handle conflict among your team members. Stay tuned!
When Team Members Experience Conflict
Conflict is often an unavoidable part of life. It can arise in our personal lives, with friends and family, or at work with colleagues. While conflict can be difficult, it’s important to deal with it head-on constructively. What can managers do when this arises?
Firstly, what they can do is assess the issue. Is it a minor disagreement that can be resolved easily? Is it a major incident that needs to be addressed immediately? Can it be handled by other employees?
If it is something that is best resolved by others or by you, then you should encourage the employees to deal with it themselves. If they need your input, then step in and help them resolve the issue.
However, if it is something that needs your input, or if the team members are not able to resolve the conflict themselves, then you should step in to help.
When Dealing with Conflict Among Team Members
When dealing with conflict among your team members, you should always keep the following in mind:
- Let the team members deal with it as much as possible. Encourage them to work out their problems themselves. This will build trust and give them a sense of empowerment over their own lives at work. If they can’t handle the problem on their own, then step in and help them resolve it.
- It’s okay if they aren’t friends – this doesn’t mean they shouldn’t work together. When people work together, they can learn from each other and grow as individuals. You’ll have more success in getting this done if you remind yourself that working with others is not about being friends. But it’s about working toward a common goal.
- Give them space. Don’t force them to get along with each other unless necessary. This can result in an environment where employees feel pressured to get along with co-workers instead of focusing on their jobs. And also, doing what is best for the organization.
- Create an environment where team members can speak their minds without fear of retribution. Listen to what they have to say before jumping into action. It’s also important to let everyone know that they have a chance to speak up beforehand. So that they are prepared when you ask them questions later on.
- Ask questions and give everyone a chance to explain his or her side of the story. This lets everyone voice his or her opinion and gives you more insight into what’s going on. And it also allows everyone involved in the situation an opportunity to solve any problems together.
The Bottom Line
In conclusion, it is important to deal with team conflict the right way. While it might be uncomfortable, it’s important to let your team members handle the problem, and participate only if necessary. This will help keep your team productive and working toward the right goals.
