Background:
High functioning and successful teams are created by building strong relationships with a shared vision, trust, competence, and confidence. Conflict is inevitable, but it is also healthy for a team, if it is managed and overcome. According to the reading, conflict within teams should be resolved through open communication and collaboration. In order to lessen the amount of conflict, every team needs to focus on creating a shared vision/purpose and understanding so that can be referred to in remembrance during conflicts. Additionally, cohesiveness is not always a positive trait for a team, group think can lead to poor decision-making, and conflict is a healthy means for groups to maintain healthy diversity of thought.
Visualize you are leading a team meeting. There is one team member who is constantly challenging your strategy and ideas. This person wants to know why you are making the choices that you are for the entire team. He appears to be on an island as the one individual who does not go along with your initial plan. Describe your reactions to this person’s questions and differences. Tell if you readily accept this conflict and welcome it, or do you take his disputes personal, constantly defending yourself, instead of your logic. What actions would you take to incorporate his suggestions, repel his protests to ensure the team makes a decision and pursues its mission?
