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Conflict management in work teams. This essay discusses the causes of conflict in work teams as well as how to resolve it.

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Conflict management in work teams. This essay discusses the causes of conflict in work teams as well as how to resolve it.
Conflict Resolution in Work Teams

Families, employees, working teams, and ethnic groups are faced with conflict daily. Facing conflicts and having the capability to resolve them are crucial within our society. Some conflicts can be avoided, but when working in a team environment, more conflicts are apt to arise. Being able to successfully resolve conflicts within a team can be a difficult task for a team leader. Understanding the importance of conflict resolution within a team, and learning to deal with conflicts are the first skills that a team leader must master.

Conflict resolution is important in a team environment because it keeps motivation, morale and teamwork positive. If your team is not motivated or proactive it may portray a negative image to your organization. Conflict within teams can cause stress as well as poor work ethics. When working within a team environment, it is important that all conflict is resolved in a positive manner. This will help ensure the team 's credibility and confidence. When a team loses its credibility, confidence, and motivation, it will be a struggle to succeed. The team may recuperate, but the impact of the conflict may leave scars. A successful team leader must implement inspiring and motivating techniques for the team.

Conflicts within a team that are not resolved or not resolved correctly will continue to have a negative impact on the team. When the cause of the conflict has been determined, the team leader must evaluate the situation and resolve the issue in a timely manner. If the team does not have a team leader and are unable to resolve the matter within their group, they should seek mediation. This should not imply that the team is incompetent, but that the team is looking for the best resolution to the problem.

Methods to control conflict

Conflict is usually viewed as negative; however, conflict can be positive. "When people work in teams, their differences is terms of power, values and attitudes, and social



References: Cutcher-Gershenfeld, J. (1997). Dispute Resolution and Team-Based Work Moore, C. (1999) Cultures-Strategies For Effective Intercultural Negotiations, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People (especially pages 1 through 62) by Stephen R. Covey (Simon & Schuster) Carole A. Townsley (1990). Resolving Conflict in Work Teams. Retrieved May 17, 2003, from site http://www.rvarmstrong.com

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