Reference no: EM132175953

Creating a Team Conflict Management Plan

Create a conflict management plan. A conflict management plan is a thought and behavior process one can follow when in conflict. A person creates a list of steps she/he can follow when a conflict comes up so that the person can productively manage/solve the conflict. These steps have to be thoughts or behaviors that can be realistically done. The literature shows that, if we can identify we are in conflict and can then implement a conflict management plan, our opportunity for resolution of the conflict increases significantly. We identify we are in conflict by identifying our physiological responses when in conflict and by identifying thoughts and feelings we are having that trigger us to realize that we are experiencing a conflict.

There are three steps to making a team conflict plan:

First, each team member should write down what physiological responses you have when you know you are in conflict (e.g., my palms are sweaty, my heart is racing).

Second, each team member should write down what thoughts you typically have when in a conflict (e.g., “I want to hurt him.”; “I want to just get away from her.”).

Finally, combine your individual list and make a list of 5–10 steps that can followed to help team members manage their thoughts and emotions in a productive way to manage/solve team conflict (e.g., 1. We will take a deep breath; 2. We will think about how we want to respond, etc.). Try not to use the examples given. Your team should provide its own list of ways to manage/solve team conflict.