Ahoy, leaders and navigators of the business world! Welcome aboard the S.S. Arcadia, where today we’ll be charting a course through the occasionally stormy waters of team conflict. Just like any seasoned crew can attest, where there are teams, there’s conflict. But fear not! Conflict isn’t just a storm to be weathered—it’s an opportunity to strengthen the ties that bind your crew together and enhance teamwork. Let’s dive into some proven team coaching techniques that can help transform your tempest into a smooth sailing experience.

Understanding the Dynamics of Conflict

Before we can master the art of conflict resolution, we need to understand its undercurrents. Conflict often arises from differences in values, motivations, or perceptions. It's like having sailors from different parts of the world; they each bring their own navigating techniques to the deck.

As Kenneth Kaye once said, “Conflict is neither good nor bad. Properly managed, it is absolutely vital.” Indeed, the goal of conflict resolution isn’t to suppress the disagreement but to manage it constructively.

The Roundtable Reconnaissance

Nothing quite beats the classic roundtable for getting to the heart of a dispute. This technique involves gathering your team for an open discussion, allowing each member to voice their concerns and perspectives. It’s about understanding each other's maps and compasses.

Exercise: Start with a talking piece, an object that grants the holder the right to speak. This ensures everyone has a turn at the helm, speaking their mind without interruption. As each team member holds the talking piece, ask them to answer: “What’s at the heart of the conflict from your perspective?”

The Role Reversal Regatta

Ever tried swapping ships with another captain for a day? Well, in the workplace, role reversals can be just as enlightening. This technique helps team members see the conflict from their colleague's point of view, fostering empathy and understanding.

Exercise: Pair up team members involved in the conflict. Have each person explain their side of the conflict, then switch roles. Each person must then present their partner’s perspective as if it were their own. This can be eye-opening and sometimes, a bit of a deck-swabbing experience!

The Future Forecasting Funnel

When conflicts arise, it’s easy to get caught up in the squall. The Future Forecasting Funnel shifts the focus from current turbulent waters to the calm seas ahead. It’s about plotting a course for future cooperation rather than dwelling on past storms.

Exercise: Ask your team to imagine a future where the conflict has been resolved. Have them answer these questions: “What does our team look like now? What steps did we take to get here?” This helps create a shared goal and actionable steps toward resolution.

The Compass of Common Ground

Finding common ground is like finding the North Star in a stormy night sky—it provides a guiding light for lost ships. This technique is about identifying shared goals or values that can help unify the team.

Exercise: Create a list of values and goals that are important to each team member. Compare these lists to find common elements. Focus the discussion on these shared values to remind everyone that they are, ultimately, part of the same crew.

Anchoring It All Together!

Remember, the aim of these techniques isn’t just to quell the mutiny but to steer your team into more collaborative waters where they can thrive as a unified crew. Encourage open communication, promote empathy, and steer clear of icebergs (metaphorically speaking).

As you deploy these strategies, keep in mind the words of Thomas Crum: “The quality of our lives depends not on whether or not we have conflicts, but on how we respond to them.”

For Further Exploration

Kaye, Kenneth. (1994). “Workplace conflicts: Four kinds of conflict and how to manage them.” Family Business.
Crum, Thomas. (1998). The Magic of Conflict: Turning a Life of Work into a Work of Art. Touchstone.