Team Conflict
Conflict in teams can have an adverse effect on a team’s performance. As a project manager, it is imperative to manage conflict and handle matters before they become unmanageable. When conflict occurs, the trigger or event could be very minor and seem insignificant at the time. However, if the conflict is not resolved quickly, it could build up over time, creating a snowball effect. When this happens, it’s a matter of time before the conflict reaches a tipping point and emotions flare up.
Conflict can result from a variety of events or situations, although it primarily develops due to a breakdown in communication. This could be due to misinformation, a misunderstanding, or a lack of communication altogether. Misinformation could be deliberate by providing false information, or accidental, in which case the information was incorrect but perceived otherwise. A misunderstanding could result in the receiver not effectively understanding what was communicated. A lack of communication is simply a breakdown in the communication flow. This could be intentional or not, though usually causes consternation on the receiver’s part.
The biggest challenge with communication is trying to prevent its breakdown. In my workplace, I see more conflict arising from a lack of communication than with misinformation or misunderstandings. The communication can be informal and simple, such as a quick note in an email, on a whiteboard or on a Post-It Note. It can also be more formal and come through the chain of command or the external environment. Managers need to encourage their employees to communicate, and to follow up when they notice breakdowns occurring.
Other potential conflicts that exist within teams include task-content conflicts and task-process conflicts. Task-content conflicts arise when team members disagree on ideas or opinions of the tasks at hand. They can also disagree on the facts or semantics of the tasks. A team member may not like the
Conflict can result from a variety of events or situations, although it primarily develops due to a breakdown in communication. This could be due to misinformation, a misunderstanding, or a lack of communication altogether. Misinformation could be deliberate by providing false information, or accidental, in which case the information was incorrect but perceived otherwise. A misunderstanding could result in the receiver not effectively understanding what was communicated. A lack of communication is simply a breakdown in the communication flow. This could be intentional or not, though usually causes consternation on the receiver’s part.
The biggest challenge with communication is trying to prevent its breakdown. In my workplace, I see more conflict arising from a lack of communication than with misinformation or misunderstandings. The communication can be informal and simple, such as a quick note in an email, on a whiteboard or on a Post-It Note. It can also be more formal and come through the chain of command or the external environment. Managers need to encourage their employees to communicate, and to follow up when they notice breakdowns occurring.
Other potential conflicts that exist within teams include task-content conflicts and task-process conflicts. Task-content conflicts arise when team members disagree on ideas or opinions of the tasks at hand. They can also disagree on the facts or semantics of the tasks. A team member may not like the
References: Eglin, R. (2001 йил 4-June). Benefits of Harnessing Conflict in the Office. The Sunday Times . Rafferty, J. (2011 йил 7-January). Making Good Connections. Occupational Health . Thompson, L. L. (2008). Making the Team: A Guide for Managers (3rd Edition ed.). (D. Parker, Ed.) Upper Saddle River, NJ, USA: Pearson Prentice Hall.