Communication and Managing Conflict

Presenters: Amanda MorrisonJennifer GuerraCommunication and Managing Conflict

Communication is key to a teams ability to functionStrong communication leads to improved team functionCreates an atmosphere of trustDevelop collaborative environmentCreative problem solving

Poor communication leads to team dysfunction Reduced team cohesion Poor Decisions

Flow of a Teams Communications(Levi, 2015, p.108)

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Can be positive or negative in terms of creating defensivenessThe way a message is delivered will determine whether the focus is on what was said or how it was saidDefensive climates shift focus from the task Team members focus on defending themselvesInformation becomes distortedCommunication Climates(Levi, 2015, p.114)

Superiority vs EqualityThe presenter in the clip belittles Josh when he talks down to him after he asked a question.This attitude could be why most of the individuals in the room seemed afraid to speak upHis demeanor could have very easily caused the meeting to end with a bad decision being madeThe leader in the room saves the situation by recreating a feeling of safety among the teamCommunication Climates- Connection(Levi, 2015, p.114)

Leaders play a key role in creating psychological safetyInvite feedbackShow openness Encourage members to speak-up

Leader in the movie clipAsks Josh to explain what he does not understandDemonstrates he is willing to opposing viewExpresses that he is pleased with the development of the new ideasPsychological Safety- Connection

Trust both relies on communication and improves communicationLack of trust can breakdown positive relationships Increased trust encourages cooperationTrust develops psychological safetyClimate where members feel free to give feedback, raise issues, admit mistakes and ask for help without facing negative consequences (Levi, 2015, p.112).Communication and Trust

Ask questionsOpen ended questions inspire conversationGive time for others to respondListen ActivelyParaphrase what you have heard- ask if this is correctDemonstrate the you want to understand what is being saidCommunication Skills in Meetings(Levi, 2015, p.122)

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Give Constructive FeedbackBoth positive and negative can be beneficialDont be judgmentalManage FeelingsStay neutralTry to understand feelings Process feeling is the group

Communication Skills in Meetings(Levi, 2015, p.123)

Josh asks the initial question to start the discussion He listens actively but the presenter does not fully answer his question He again asks for clarification The leader in the room also opens up dialog by asking an inquiring question. Josh is constructive in his criticism, and also offers an alternative. Josh does not get his feelings hurt or hurt others in the process Communication Skills- Connection

Conflict can be either negative or positiveNegative conflict creates barriers that impede a groups ability to accomplish its taskPositive conflict is productive and inspires creativity and innovation How conflict is managed will determine if the conflict is negative or positive for the groupConflict Management(Levi, 2015, p.141)

Cooperative styleFocuses on solutionSolutions are good for both the individuals and the teamEncourages communicationLooks for new approaches for creative solutionsCompetitive StyleFocuses on the individualDiscourages communicationConflict Management (Levi, 2015, p.141)

There is a cooperative approach used to resolve the conflictThe focus is on how the toy could be made more entertainingCommunication is encouraged as new ideas are presented and feedback is providedIn a short period of time creative solutions are presentedExample: Transformers for girls using lady bugs

Conflict Management- Connection

Communication both verbal and non-verbal creates the environment for the groupFailure to communicate effectively and professionally can stifle creativity Positive communication builds trust that will encourage participation from all of the team membersConflict can be either positive or negativeThe leaders ability to manage the conflict will determine if the conflict improves productivity or weakens the group

Conclusion

Levi, D. (2015). Group Dynamics for Teams, 5th Edition. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.Marshall, P. (Director). (1988). Big [Motion Picture].

References