When should you get involved in Team Conflict?
One of the first decisions a manager has to make after they have noticed conflict is whether to get involved or not.
Usually if a conflict is serious enough to be brought to your attention as manager, it will require your involvement.
However, not every conflict will need attention, sometimes team members may resolve conflict between themselves before your input is necessary.
It may turn out all that’s needed is a simple “I noticed you two were having some issues but looks like you’ve resolved them. Brilliant, let me know if you need anything.” Often the best way forward when you are aware of an ongoing situation is simply to keep an eye on it.
It’s equally important not to ignore conflict completely in the hope it will simply ‘go away’. Because conflict can fester and get worse if unresolved, it’s important we don’t leave it to grow out of control.
It is possible to use conflict to your advantage when it does arise, to get things done or out in the open.
However, if conflict is not handled efficiently this can backfire and lead to further problems that can damage performance and working relationships.
Remember, not all conflict is bad, but all conflict has the potential to turn bad if it’s managed badly.
Want to learn more about managing team conflict?
Check out our other helpful resources on the different causes of team conflict and how to prevent and resolve conflict in your team.
Related Courses and Qualifications
- See ALL Management & Leadership qualifications accredited by the Chartered Management Institute
- Qualifications for aspiring and middle managers; CMI Level 5 Diploma in Management and Leadership
- Qualifications for senior managers and leaders; CMI Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice
- For professional Marketers; Marketing qualifications accredited by the Chartered Institute of Marketing
Related Articles – Study Advice
- Study advice (video): Invest your time now to become a better, stronger and more versatile future leader
- Study advice (video): Imagine yourself managing and leading people in the future. Where could you be?
- Study advice (video): Is it worth investing your money on a Chartered Management Institute Qualification?
- Study advice: How to balance study and family life
- Study advice: What does the Chartered Management Institute do? What is a CMI Qualification?
- Study advice: What is the difference between CMI and ILM?
Related Articles – Career Progression & Personal Development
- See ALL insights and articles on the Management and Leadership blog
- Personal Development: How to stop holding yourself back
- Personal Development: How to Motivate Your Employees in Five Different Ways
- Personal Development: Top Tips On How To Prepare For An Interview (And Succeed)
- Career Progression (video): Are you familiar with the language of management and leadership? Management speak explained
- Career Progression: Important steps on preparing for a performance appraisal review
- Career Progression: How to perform at your best during an interview for a management position
- Career Progression: What is team conflict and how do we prevent it happening?
- Career Progression: What are the common causes of team conflict? How do we resolve team conflict?