ABC's of Team Building - C is for Conflict

When dealing with different personalities, genders, backgrounds, etc. there is bound to be conflict within a team. The issue is that most people do not like to deal with conflict, but it can actually be helpful. Conflict arises when there are opposing viewpoints or actions between the team members. It can be something as simple as a disagreement over a minor change in a process to friction over a major initiative that someone wants to implement. 

Regardless of the issue, the best way to deal with conflict is for team members to discuss the issues openly and fairly. Instead many people want to avoid these critical conversations at all costs, or directives have been put in place at the corporate level that can't be shared with everyone. Keeping lines of communication open at all levels reduces friction, gossip, and rumors. To do it properly, the messaging must be not only accurate, but consistent in its presentation and content. Too often, communications are vague and misleading which potentially makes the conflict even bigger than when it started out.

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