What are the best practices for fundraising team leaders to address team conflicts?

3 Apply effective conflict resolution techniques

The third step to resolving team conflicts is to apply effective conflict resolution techniques, such as active listening, assertive communication, problem-solving, and mediation. Active listening involves listening attentively and empathetically to each team member's point of view and paraphrasing or summarizing what they say to ensure understanding and validation. Assertive communication expresses one's own thoughts, feelings, and needs clearly and respectfully without blaming, criticizing, or attacking others. Problem-solving identifies the underlying issues, interests, and needs of each team member and brainstorming possible solutions that can satisfy everyone. Mediation involves a neutral third party who can facilitate the dialogue, clarify the facts, and help the team members reach a mutually acceptable agreement. By applying these conflict resolution techniques, team leaders can help their teams resolve conflicts constructively and peacefully.

4 Learn from the experience

The fourth step to resolving team conflicts is to learn from the experience and use it as an opportunity for growth and improvement. To do this, evaluate the outcome of the conflict resolution process, implement the action plan, provide support to team members, and review the lessons that emerged from the conflict. By learning from the experience, team leaders can boost their team’s effectiveness, efficiency, and satisfaction. Additionally, they can apply the key learnings, insights, and best practices to future situations.

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?