Solving for Conflict in Teams

Find the Root of the Conflict

Expertise and Knowledge Define Our Team Territory

Are you working through a communication or belief based conflict?

I believe all workplace conflict is rooted in these two columns. 

Think about any workplace conflict -

• Conflict between teams is usually due to a lack of understanding of how each team fits into the larger goal and having a shared vision of success.

• Conflict between leadership and teams/individuals is usually a due to a lack of understanding of the goals each is trying to reach and the why and how decisions are made.

• Conflict between individuals is usually due to a lack of understanding of each others goals and the creation of zero sum or negative sum games. 

These are all communication issues and can be fixed by digging into the subject from varying perspectives. 

If the conflict is rooted in beliefs, the path to resolution  is much harder if even possible at all.

Think of the current conflict many organizations are working through - Where people should work. 

If a person believes that each individual should be able to choose how, where, and when to work and they work for a leader that believes being together is necessary for collaboration, then this is a belief based conflict. 

Either side will have a hard time convincing the other of their view - hence conflict.

I have found that through the many workshops I have done, that MOST of the time, when everyone gets a chance to share their wants and needs, it's not all that hard to build out win-win scenarios. 

Everyone needs to slow down, define the problem clearly, and flush out all perspectives. 

Once the nuance of the situation is unearthed, it's simple to see the higher level solution.

At the same time, if it is a belief based nuance, then that also becomes clear that the parties are not aligned, and may not ever get to that state. 

This is one of the benefits to facilitating the team building workshops we do.  I get to be on the outside and see these larger themes emerge. 

What do you think?  Have you seen a conflict that doesn't fit in these two buckets?

#futureofwork #teambuilding #teamdevelopment

Looking to unearth the conflict in your organization?  Let's chat- I have some ideas. 😀