Resolving Conflict

JLBC TEAM BUILDING AT THE SQUAD LEVEL

Resolving Conflict

JLBC Cadet's conflict is the tension between individuals or groups because of actual or perceived differences. There are two types of conflict, task and personal. Other scholars claim that there are seven.

Conflicts can be a disagreement over:

● Task. A disagreement about the task or goals.

● Process. A dispute about how to accomplish the task.

● Relationship (Personal). An incompatibility between individuals or groups.

●Values. Differing and incompatible belief systems.

●Information. It occurs when people lack necessary information, are misinformed, interpret information differently, or disagree about which information is relevant.

● Task Interdependence. One person or team is dependent on another for resources or information.

●Structural. Results from structural or process features of the organization.

Not all conflict is bad. Conflict can be constructive or destructive, and constructive conflict can benefit team performance if the conflict is not personal. Constructive conflict may occur when a structural process in an organization is recognized as the issue and is changed as a result of the conflict to allow smoother operations and mission accomplishment. When conflict becomes personal, it becomes deconstructive. A leader cannot ignore personal conflicts. If the team does not confront the problem, the team will develop a hostile climate.

Use the strength and needs columns to see how a squad's behavior is a strength or a need. Use the underlying causes to identify possible solutions to improve performance.