What do you do if your team is facing conflicts and you need to assert yourself?

1 Assess Situation

Before diving into conflict resolution, take a step back to assess the situation objectively. Understand the root cause of the disagreement and the perspectives of all parties involved. This requires active listening, empathy, and patience. By doing so, you'll gain a clearer picture of the dynamics at play and can better strategize on how to assert yourself effectively. Remember, your goal is to address the issue at hand without escalating tensions or causing further division within the team.

2 Open Dialogue

Initiating an open dialogue is key to resolving team conflicts. Encourage everyone to share their viewpoints in a controlled environment where each person feels safe and respected. This approach fosters transparency and shows that you value your team members' input. It's important to communicate your position clearly and confidently, while also being receptive to feedback. This balance demonstrates assertiveness without overriding others' contributions, paving the way for a constructive exchange of ideas.

3 Set Boundaries

Setting clear boundaries is an essential part of asserting yourself in conflict situations. It involves communicating what is acceptable behavior and what isn't, which helps prevent misunderstandings and sets the stage for mutual respect. When defining these boundaries, be firm yet fair, and ensure they are aligned with the team's goals and values. This creates a framework within which the team can operate harmoniously, even when disagreements arise.

5 Follow Through

Once a plan of action has been agreed upon, it's important to follow through with the necessary steps to resolve the conflict. This shows that you are not only assertive but also responsible and reliable. Following through may involve delegating tasks, setting timelines, or holding individuals accountable. It's crucial that you lead by example during this phase, maintaining your assertiveness while ensuring that the agreed-upon solutions are implemented effectively.

6 Reflect & Learn

Finally, reflecting on the conflict and the resolution process is an invaluable step. It allows you to analyze what worked well and what could be improved in future situations. Engage in self-reflection as well as seeking feedback from your team. This learning experience can strengthen your conflict resolution skills and help you to assert yourself with even greater confidence in the future. It also contributes to building a more resilient and cohesive team.

7 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?