Toastmasters International -5 Strategies to Lead a Team Through Conflict

Four people are gathered around a laptop on a table, with a white background.

Team members look to leaders and decision-makers for creative solutions and answers to sensitive issues. Here are five ways to lead a team through conflict:

1 Let it go. Ask yourself if the disagreement is worth the trouble of getting involved. If it’s a trivial problem, ignore it. But if it’s a larger problem, simply ignoring it won’t work and could exacerbate a conflict.
2 Listen and rectify. If the people at odds believe the issue is important, but you or other team members don’t see it as critical to the team’s goals, then it may fall on you to simply be a good listener. Allowing both parties to vent and express their opinions often eases sore feelings.
3 Make a decision. If you are in a position that allows you to make a decision, then decide what needs to happen to end the dispute, and execute. If a quick decision is required, this could be the easiest solution. Be aware, however, that ruling in favor of one side over another without weighing input could lead to resentment.
4 Reach a compromise. To come to an agreement that both parties can accept may mean that people on both sides of a conflict will have to sacrifice one or more of their terms. Everyone may not be thrilled with the outcome, but they will need to understand and agree to the terms of the compromise.
5 Work together. Collaborate and brainstorm a solution that benefits both parties. If you have the time to work through it together, you will ensure that all are pleased with the solution and everyone leaves the table satisfied.
Adapted from an August 2018 Toastmaster magazine article.