Even in the most ideal circumstances, occasional disagreements and interpersonal friction are bound to surface. Conflict becomes a pronounced concern, particularly within team dynamics, where individuals are expected to prioritise collective objectives over personal interests. The genesis of conflict is multifaceted, stemming from factors such as competition for resources, disparities in goals or methodologies, and disparities in personality traits.
The conflict resolution abilities that your students are acquiring in their academic pursuits can substantially enrich both their scholastic and personal lives, especially in the context of adapting to remote teamwork and learning from the comfort of their homes. Should they encounter discord within a team, encourage them to embark on a journey of reconciliation by following these five strategic steps, fostering a positive and constructive resolution:
Evaluate the Significance of the Conflict: Ascertain whether the conflict warrants attention. Conflict resolution consumes time and effort and may temporarily disrupt activities and relationships. In instances where the conflict is trivial or expected to dissipate naturally (such as when a temporary team disbands), it may be judicious to let it run its course.
Self-Reflection: Prior to taking any remedial action, introspect about your own convictions and conduct. It’s conceivable that you might be unwittingly contributing to the conflict through unexamined actions or attitudes.
Pinpoint the Root Cause: As you are likely familiar with from personal experiences, conflicts often have concealed underpinnings. Surface-level disagreements may belie deeper disparities. For instance, a dispute about work methodologies might obscure more profound differences, such as diverse cultural
values, where one person prioritises group harmony while another leans toward individual success.
Establish Common Ground: Identify areas of agreement among the parties involved, and employ this shared foundation as a platform for crafting solutions. For instance, if disagreement centres on work methods, delve deeper to uncover agreement on overarching goals and strategies. Utilise this common ground to initiate discussions on adapting work methods to accommodate everyone’s needs.
Select a Resolution Strategy: Four fundamental choices emerge here: (1) Avoidance, where circumstances contributing to conflict are sidestepped, though this may not address the underlying issues. (2) Accommodation, where one party concedes or compromises for the collective good or to preserve relationship harmony. (3) Compromise, where both sides make concessions, a hallmark of successful teamwork. (4) Collaboration, where all parties cooperate to forge a mutually beneficial solution, fostering a win-win outcome. Collaboration can be deeply gratifying, enhancing conditions for all involved and instilling a sense of shared achievement within the team.
Whichever path is chosen, advocate for and practice respectful, composed communication. Every individual should choose their words and gestures thoughtfully to maintain focus on the core problem and prevent exacerbating an already tense situation.
Employ active listening to gain a deeper understanding of the perspectives of others. It’s worth noting that this approach extends beyond formal team settings; it is adaptable to various interpersonal relationships, encompassing roommates, marriages, partnerships, and any collaborative endeavour where individuals must harmonise their efforts toward a common objective.