Conflicts
within the team
The leader
is aware that tense situations and heated discussion can arise from
team meetings. Besides, it is on these occasions when people give
their best and openly express their points of view.
The leader
shouldn’t allow these tense moments to be the general tonic
of these meetings, as if this happens the meetings will generate tension
that will affect the unity of the group.
In these
heated meetings, the leader can not allow people
to go beyond the personal limits of respect.
When the
leader is surrounded by competent people, people with personality
and ambition, it is normal that in certain occasions there are frictions
between them.
If there
are differences of opinion in the initial stage, it is easy to solve
them without too many complications. However, if the problem isn’t
dealt with conveniently, it can get quite serious, creating a hostile
situation that is difficult to solve.
To avoid
misunderstandings, etc it is fundamental to have fluid communication
within the group.
Hence,
it is important to have periodic meetings (daily, weekly…) that
give people the chance to see each other.
The leader
doesn’t have to adopt a paternal attitude, trying to accept
his collaborators:
His collaborators
are adults and they should find their own solution to their differences.
However,
if the confrontation starts affecting the team, the leader should
intervene and let everyone know that he will not tolerate these types
of situations, demanding that his collaborators solve their differences.
It needs
to be pointed out that a team can only give their best when they are
united, that’s why the leader can not tolerate disagreements
between its members.
The leader
has to be aware of the small details, as sometimes the differences
between the team members are scarcely perceptible and are hidden by
the people involved.
Usually
those implicated hide their disagreements from the leader as they
fear how he might react.
Besides,
the leader should try to avoid giving cause to these situations (sometimes
he will do this subconsciously) as they can deteriorate the relationships
within the team.
For example:
unjustified differences of pay, showing your preference for one of
the team members (pointing out their work, presenting her as an example)
creating a clique (having lunch frequently with one part of your team,
etc).
Finally,
indicate that if one member of the team is disobedient, the leader
should remove him completely.