How can you avoid common mistakes when resolving conflict in a business innovation team?

1 Mistake 1: Ignoring or avoiding conflict

One of the worst things you can do when faced with conflict in your business innovation team is to ignore or avoid it, hoping it will go away. This can lead to resentment, frustration, and passive-aggressive behavior, which can undermine the team's collaboration and creativity. Instead of ignoring or avoiding conflict, you should acknowledge it and address it as soon as possible, before it escalates or spreads. You can do this by inviting the parties involved to share their perspectives, listening actively and empathetically, and finding common ground or goals.

2 Mistake 2: Taking sides or blaming others

Another common mistake when resolving conflict in a business innovation team is to take sides or blame others, instead of focusing on the problem or the solution. This can create a divisive and defensive atmosphere, where people feel attacked or unsupported, and where trust and respect are eroded. Instead of taking sides or blaming others, you should remain neutral and objective, and help the parties involved to identify the root cause of the conflict, and the impact it has on the team and the project. You should also encourage them to take responsibility for their actions and feelings, and to apologize or forgive if needed.

3 Mistake 3: Imposing or accepting a quick fix

A third common mistake when resolving conflict in a business innovation team is to impose or accept a quick fix, without exploring the underlying issues or the long-term implications. This can result in superficial or temporary solutions, that may not address the real needs or interests of the parties involved, or that may create new problems or conflicts in the future. Instead of imposing or accepting a quick fix, you should facilitate or seek a collaborative and creative solution, that takes into account the different viewpoints and values of the parties involved, and that aligns with the team's vision and goals. You should also follow up and monitor the implementation and effectiveness of the solution, and make adjustments if necessary.

4 Mistake 4: Suppressing or discouraging dissent

A fourth common mistake when resolving conflict in a business innovation team is to suppress or discourage dissent, fearing that it will harm the team's cohesion or performance. This can lead to conformity, groupthink, and stagnation, which can limit the team's potential and innovation. Instead of suppressing or discouraging dissent, you should embrace and encourage it, as long as it is respectful, constructive, and relevant. You should also create a safe and supportive environment, where people feel comfortable to express their opinions, challenge assumptions, and offer feedback, without being judged or punished.