Embracing Conflict in Teams: How to Turn Disagreements into Productive Conversations

Playbook For Performance

In this episode, Shawna Corden explores the often misunderstood topic of conflict within teams. She explains how conflict, when managed correctly, can be a powerful tool for innovation and growth. She also highlights the difference between productive and unproductive conflict and offers practical tips and strategies for fostering healthy competition and resolving disagreements.

Key Points Discussed:

1. Importance of Conflict: Conflict can be a catalyst for improvement and innovation, similar to healthy competition.

2. Types of Conflict:

- Task Conflict: Disagreements about responsibilities and task completion.

- Relationship Conflict: Personal differences and triggers.

- Process Conflict: Conflicting objectives within matrixed organizations.

- Goal Conflict: Internal conflicts between personal and organizational goals.

3. Healthy vs. Unhealthy Conflict: Productive conflict focuses on issues, while unproductive conflict targets individuals.

4. Conflict Resolution Strategies:

-Use of RACI charts for clarity in responsibilities.

- Active listening and paraphrasing to ensure understanding.

- Encouraging team collaboration to solve problems.

- Role-playing and mediation exercises to build conflict resolution skills.

5. The Role of Leaders: Leaders should facilitate conflict resolution rather than imposing solutions.

6. Maintaining Harmony: Too much harmony can hinder accountability and performance. Balanced conflict can enhance team effectiveness.

7. Practical Exercises: Teams can benefit from conflict resolution exercises, including reviewing past conflicts or using hypothetical case studies.

Resources:

• Contact Shawna Corden: [e-mail]

• Shawna’s book on conflict resolution and teamwork strategies

Next Episode Preview: Join us next time as we discuss enhancing team engagement. We'll explore what makes people feel engaged and what drives team disengagement.

Thank you for tuning in. Remember, when managed well, conflict can lead to greater team success. Until next time, take good care!