Last updated on Jul 12, 2024

Two team members are in conflict, disrupting team dynamics. How will you restore harmony and productivity?

When two team members are at odds, the ripple effect can be detrimental to the entire team's morale and productivity. As a leader, your role is to navigate these choppy waters with a blend of empathy and decisiveness. It's not just about quelling a temporary storm; it's about fostering an environment where such conflicts are resolved constructively, preserving the team's dynamic and ensuring the continuity of productivity.

1 Identify Issues

The first step in resolving team conflict is to identify the root causes. This involves holding one-on-one discussions with the individuals involved to understand their perspectives and grievances. Listen actively without judgment, as this will help you uncover the underlying issues fueling the discord. It's essential to approach these conversations with confidentiality and an open mind to ensure that each member feels heard and valued.

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Joseph Emumwen

Certified Project Manager , Agric value chain expert. Microfinance consultant SNL
I constantly remind my staff there is no I in team. we all have roles to play and must do so with mutual respect for one another and for the workplace. Conflict breeds contempt and creates negative energy which in turn stifles creativity.
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2 Open Dialogue

Once you've identified the issues, facilitate a dialogue between the conflicting parties. Encourage open communication and make it clear that the objective is to find a resolution, not to place blame. By providing a safe space for discussion, you allow team members to express their concerns and work towards a mutual understanding. Remember, your role here is to mediate and guide the conversation toward a constructive outcome.

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Mahwish Irshad Ali

Strategic HRBP || Industrial/Organizational (I/O) Psychologist || People & Culture || Talent Acquisition || Employee Relations & Engagement || Performance Management || HR Operations & OD || OHS Expert || xTHI
Facilitating open dialogue among conflicting parties is essential once issues are identified. Create a safe environment where team members can communicate openly without fear of blame. As a mediator, guide these conversations toward mutual understanding and resolution. Encouraging respectful dialogue helps uncover underlying concerns and fosters collaborative problem-solving, strengthening team cohesion and productivity.
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Rick Clifton, sHRBP, LRP

Global HR Leadership Advisor & Strategist: Business & Culture Transformation / Organizational Effectiveness / International & Domestic Mergers & Acquisitions / Performance Management - High Performing Teams
Although some people may resist pulling parties together that are having a conflict, I've found that open dialogue focused on the issues at hand is highly productive. By setting some ground rules up front to ensure respectful dialogue, this can help ensure the conversation is productive. For example, be sure to emphasize that each person will get an opportunity to speak. Encourage the parties to not interrupt while the other is speaking and discourage personal attacks. If you believe the discussion is escalating to a point it is unproductive, you can always exercise the right to end the conversation so each party can cool off then commit to following up at a later date. The key here is to maintain control of the situation.
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3 Set Expectations

After opening lines of communication, it's imperative to set clear expectations for behavior and professionalism within the team. Establishing ground rules for interaction can prevent future conflicts and promote a respectful work environment. Make sure these expectations are communicated clearly to all team members and that they understand the importance of maintaining a collaborative and supportive team culture.

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4 Implement Solutions

With the issues laid out and expectations set, work together with the team members to develop actionable solutions. These could range from workflow adjustments to regular check-ins or even professional development opportunities aimed at improving collaboration skills. The key is to ensure that the solutions are agreed upon by all parties involved and that they address the concerns raised during the initial discussions.

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5 Monitor Progress

Restoring harmony is an ongoing process that requires continuous effort and attention. Monitor the progress of the implemented solutions and the overall team dynamics. This includes following up with the individuals involved to ensure that the conflict has been truly resolved and that the agreed-upon changes are being maintained. Regular check-ins also demonstrate your commitment to a harmonious work environment and can prevent minor disagreements from escalating.

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6 Support Growth

Finally, use this experience as an opportunity for team growth. Encourage team members to reflect on the conflict and the resolution process to learn from it. Promote a culture where feedback is welcomed and where challenges are seen as chances for development. By doing so, you not only restore harmony but also strengthen the team's ability to handle future conflicts more effectively.

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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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Two team members are in conflict, disrupting team dynamics. How will you restore harmony and productivity?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Identify Issues

2 Open Dialogue

3 Set Expectations

4 Implement Solutions

5 Monitor Progress

6 Support Growth

7 Here’s what else to consider

Employee Relations

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Two team members are in conflict, disrupting team dynamics. How will you restore harmony and productivity?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Identify Issues

2 Open Dialogue

3 Set Expectations

4 Implement Solutions

5 Monitor Progress

6 Support Growth

7 Here’s what else to consider

Employee Relations

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

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