Question

A mediator suggested that the nurse manager and staff members decide on a method to resolve conflicts. It is important to have agreements about how team members will work together because:

a. if there are no agreements, each member will make up rules about how to handle disagreements and relationships.
b. people are naturally difficult and will not work well together without such agreements.
c. people will naturally ask for agreements about how to be together.
d. a way to eliminate nonproductive team members must be available.

Answer 1

Agreements on conflict resolution are critical to maintaining consistency, reducing misunderstandings, and enhancing team dynamics by setting clear expectations. They help in building trust through effective communication and negotiation skills, making the team more collaborative and productive.

Step-by-step explanation:

It is important to have agreements about how team members will work together because if there are no agreements, each member may create their own rules about how to handle disagreements and relationships, leading to confusion and inconsistent practices. Effective conflict resolution contributes to a collaborative work environment and is essential for maintaining a positive and productive team dynamic. Especially in high-pressure workplaces such as health settings, where a nurse manager and staff must often make quick decisions and rely on orderly, well-understood protocols to resolve disputes and manage workloads.

Essentially, agreements help avoid work overload, reduce the potential for conflict, and clarify managerial roles, therefore enhancing the communication and interpersonal skills needed for teamwork. They allow teams to focus on solving problems rather than placing blame, creating a more efficient and effective work environment. This proactive approach helps maintain collegial relationships and supports the advancement of projects and goals within the team by setting clear expectations and protocols beforehand.