Types & Causes of Conflict
What is task conflict?
It involves disagreements about the actual work, like ideas, strategies, or tasks.
What two traits should leaders model to build trust within their teams?
Fairness and empathy.
What model explains how assertiveness and cooperativeness determine conflict resolution styles?
The Thomas-Kilmann Model.
What is miscommunication?
It causes frustration due to unclear emails, assumptions, or lack of active listening.
Why is it important for a leader to identify conflict early in group dynamics?
To prevent damage to team motivation, productivity, and relationships before it escalates.
Which conflict resolution strategy seeks a win-win solution that meets both sides’ needs?
Collaborating
What is process conflict?
It arises when there’s confusion about who’s responsible for what or how work is delegated.
Which root cause of conflict is caused by stress, burnout, or external pressure?
Emotional tension
Which conflict style involves ignoring or postponing addressing the issue?
Avoiding
What are personality differences and lack of trust?
These often lead to harmful relationship conflicts.
What kind of environment should a leader create to help team members share concerns openly?
An open, respectful environment.
Which style is high in assertiveness but low in cooperativeness, focusing on winning the conflict?
Competing. It involves forcing your position, effective in emergencies or when defending vital interests.
Explain why task conflict can be both beneficial and harmful.
It encourages critical thinking and innovation, but if poorly managed, it can get personal and discourage input.
What are two specific actions a leader can take to rebuild trust after a major team conflict?
Promoting transparency and encouraging joint problem-solving.
What is the difference between accommodating and compromising as conflict resolution strategies?
Accommodating means yielding to others to maintain harmony. Compromising involves mutual concessions to reach a middle ground.