Reduce The Conflict On Your Team

Is your team in conflict?

If your team is large enough (say, more than three people!) that's about like asking if they are breathing. Put people together, and you will find some conflict.

Some conflict is necessary to work thru issues, to generate new ideas, to test assumptions. Too much conflict and the team loses effectiveness.

As leaders, we must keep listening to our team. What's going on that drives them crazy? Where are they running into struggles? Who is having trouble getting along?

Reducing the conflict on your team will liberate more creativity.

How?

Make sure that people can express themselves and that when they do, that they agree to communicate with respect. A little respect goes a long way, but a lot of respect is needed to keep a team going.

Other ways to reduce the conflict in your team include making sure that you have agreements on roles and responsibilities. Seek and arrive at clarity on who does what. Make sure that your people have the tools they need to do their job. Challenge them, but always with respect and with the compassion to know when too much is simply too much.

A balanced leader leads a balanced team, so keep your own focus and center yourself around your core strengths -- not just when times are tough, but all the time. Use your core strengths in generous and yet appropriate portions. The right combination and balance of clarity, courage, creativity, and compassion makes for success in solving problems and achieving your goals.

What can you do today to get ahead of the conflict on your team and help you to keep your balance and focus? Will you do that?

-- Doug Smith

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