Lately I’ve been asked to help leaders communicate the importance of their team going in the right direction – even when they are experiencing conflict in the workplace. The tips in this article are taken directly from my last few training sessions. We spent time on specific case scenarios for each of the departments in order to get the input from everyone.
I have a question for you…How can your team improve to be even stronger than it is right now?
Today’s bold tips are the following:
1. Support the team-especially when there’s conflict.
The real test of the strength of a team is when there’s disagreement. You will know that you have a supportive team when members learn to mediate differences of opinion. Different
equals different. Different does not equal wrong. This one idea meant a lot to my participants. They shared how having a difference of opinion and expressing this difference
in a respectful way will have an impact in creating team support.
2. Lead by example.
If you’re critical, expect your team to be less supportive. On the other hand, if you arrive early, take on more than your share, and are supportive, you’ll be modeling the kind of behavior that
you want your team to display. Also, model life balance by demanding that your team members take their vacations and have a personal life. The trend is changing about the importance
of NOT being workaholics. This is a good thing since the younger generations already live by this example.
3. Encourage risk taking.
No one wants to make a mistake, especially if the team will be punished. We discussed mistakes that the leaders made during the week. Each leader then said, “OK, I have shared my
mistakes, it’s now time for everyone to outdo me. What are the mistakes that you made this week?” At first there was some tension, then the laughter started when the team knew that they
were actually asked to share not only what went wrong but also what they learned so the mistake “probably” won’t be repeated. This is a very powerful exercise and it is a win-win for
everyone.
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Of course! You are welcome to print this, and any other articles we send, if you use the following byline:
A recognized expert on Resolving Conflict in the Workplace, Joyce Weiss, M.A., CSP is an author, accountability coach, and a Certified Speaking Professional. To book Joyce to speak at your
event or company call: 800.713.1926 or email: Joyce@JoyceWeiss.com
Visit her website at www.JoyceWeiss.com to sign up for your own FREE video series and Communicate with Impact Weekly to Resolve Conflict in the Workplace.
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Until next time,
This is Joyce Weiss, Business Conflict Resolution Consultant
I help people become top level leaders who get GREAT results.
How do I do this?
I teach them to tackle the tough conversations with bullies and negative people to build employee engagement, accountability, and rock star performance…
The Result? My clients get a better night’s sleep!Feel free to call me concerning your own team/executive retreats, workshops, on line professional growth coaching, and keynote speeches.
Remember…You Get What YOU Tolerate!
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