Last updated on Jun 18, 2024

Here's how you can resolve conflicts between Sports Managers and team owners.

Conflicts between sports managers and team owners can be as complex as the games they oversee. These disputes may arise from differences in team management, financial decisions, or even personal issues. However, it's crucial to address them promptly and effectively to maintain a harmonious and productive working environment. By understanding the root causes and employing strategic conflict resolution techniques, you can navigate these challenges and foster a stronger, more cohesive sports organization.

1 Understand Issues

To effectively resolve conflicts, it's essential to first understand the issues at hand. This involves open communication where both parties can express their concerns without fear of retribution. As a sports manager, you should actively listen to the team owner's perspective, acknowledging their insights and objectives. Conversely, owners must appreciate the manager's expertise and the operational challenges they face. Mutual understanding is the foundation for finding a middle ground and developing solutions that satisfy both parties.

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Isaac Felizardo

Creating the best community for Scouts, Agents and Coaches ⚽️
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We are all human and even though we may have conflicting objectives or different perspectives on issues, we can always understand the other side. It's important to find the middle ground where everyone is comfortable.

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2 Set Objectives

Once the issues are clear, setting mutual objectives is the next step. These goals should reflect the interests of both the sports manager and the team owner, aiming for the success and sustainability of the team. Objectives could range from improving team performance to enhancing fan engagement or financial stability. By outlining these shared goals, both parties can focus on the bigger picture, which helps to depersonalize conflicts and align efforts towards a common purpose.

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Isaac Felizardo

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To work well together, a sports manager and team owner need to agree on clear goals. These goals should help the team do better and make fans happy. It's important to choose goals that are good for everyone, so they can work as a team.

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3 Mediation Process

Sometimes, conflicts are too deep-rooted for the parties involved to resolve on their own. In such cases, introducing a neutral third party in the form of a mediator can be invaluable. A mediator with expertise in sports management can help bridge the gap between managers and owners by facilitating discussions, offering new perspectives, and guiding negotiations. This process can lead to innovative solutions that might not have been considered by either party individually.

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Isaac Felizardo

Creating the best community for Scouts, Agents and Coaches ⚽️
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When people do not agree, it can be hard to find a solution. If this happens, it is good to have someone who does not take sides to help everyone talk and think of new ideas. This person knows a lot about sports and can help the team's boss and the person who runs the team to agree. They talk and listen to each other to solve the problem.

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4 Communication Skills

Effective communication is the cornerstone of conflict resolution. Sports managers and team owners should strive to communicate their thoughts and feelings clearly, without resorting to accusatory or defensive language. It's important to use 'you' statements sparingly and focus on 'I' statements that express personal perspectives without assigning blame. This approach encourages a more collaborative atmosphere where solutions are reached through dialogue rather than confrontation.

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5 Compromise Solutions

Finding a compromise is often the key to resolving conflicts. This doesn't mean one party has to give in completely; rather, it involves both sides making concessions to reach a mutually beneficial agreement. Sports managers and owners should be prepared to prioritize the issues and determine where they can be flexible. By compromising on less critical points, they can maintain their stance on matters that are non-negotiable, ensuring that both their core interests are preserved.

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6 Ongoing Evaluation

After reaching an agreement, it's important to evaluate the outcomes regularly. This ongoing evaluation ensures that the solutions implemented are effective and that both parties adhere to the agreed terms. It also provides an opportunity to adjust strategies as needed and address any new conflicts that may arise. Continuous assessment helps maintain a positive relationship between sports managers and team owners, contributing to the long-term success of the team.

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Rodrigo O.

Especialista em BPM | Coordenador de Processos | Gestão de Projetos | Melhoria Contínua | Metas e desempenho
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O que observamos é que os conflitos são verdadeiramente menores quando equipes estão vencendo, justamente por que os resultados estão acontecendo. Sendo assim, estabelecer as metas para os treinadores em cada torneio é um mediador de conflitos, visto que as avaliações de sucesso são constantes e estão alinhadas entre as partes e podem se estender às equipes. O mais importante, que consigo observar no Brasil, é que donos de equipe não intervenham no trabalho do treinador, indicando a maneira como eles deveriam atuar. Cada qual em sua função para mantermos os conflitos reduzidos.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Here's how you can resolve conflicts between Sports Managers and team owners.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Understand Issues

2 Set Objectives

3 Mediation Process

4 Communication Skills

5 Compromise Solutions

6 Ongoing Evaluation

7 Here’s what else to consider

Sports Management

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Here's how you can resolve conflicts between Sports Managers and team owners.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Understand Issues

2 Set Objectives

3 Mediation Process

4 Communication Skills

5 Compromise Solutions

6 Ongoing Evaluation

7 Here’s what else to consider

Sports Management

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