What do you do if your team members are constantly in conflict?

1 Understand MI

Motivational Interviewing is a collaborative, goal-oriented method of communication with particular attention to the language of change. It is designed to strengthen an individual's motivation and commitment to a specific goal by eliciting and exploring their own reasons for change within an atmosphere of acceptance and compassion. In the context of team conflict, MI can help you understand the underlying motivations of each team member, which is the first step in resolving disputes.

2 Active Listening

Active listening is a cornerstone of Motivational Interviewing. It involves giving full attention to the speaker, understanding their message, and responding thoughtfully. When team members are in conflict, practice active listening by allowing each person to speak without interruption, summarizing their points to ensure understanding, and acknowledging their feelings. This can help reduce defensiveness and open the door to finding common ground.

3 Reflective Speaking

Reflective speaking is another key component of MI. It involves making educated guesses about what the other person might be thinking or feeling and reflecting this back to them. This technique can help team members feel heard and understood, which is essential for resolving conflict. By reflecting, you also encourage deeper conversation about the issues at hand, which can lead to more effective solutions.

4 Develop Empathy

Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another. In Motivational Interviewing, expressing empathy is fundamental. When you show empathy towards conflicting team members, you create a safe space for them to express their concerns and frustrations. This can help reduce tension and foster a sense of mutual respect, which is vital for conflict resolution.

6 Evoke Change Talk

In Motivational Interviewing, 'change talk' refers to the individual's own arguments for change. Encouraging team members to express what they might gain from resolving the conflict can be a powerful motivator. Facilitate discussions that allow each person to consider how things could improve, focusing on the benefits of finding a resolution. This positive outlook can often tip the balance towards cooperation and away from conflict.

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?