Final answer:
Directly and constructively addressing destructive conflict is vital for maintaining team cohesiveness and fostering future team effectiveness. This involves careful communication, active listening, and solution-focused discussions. Higher authority involvement and training in conflict resolution may be required in more complex situations.
Step-by-step explanation:
When faced with destructive conflict within a team, it is essential to confront the issue directly and constructively. The goal is to manage and resolve the conflict in a manner that reinforces team cohesiveness and future effectiveness. Specific steps include choosing words carefully, remaining calm, and being open to the other person’s viewpoint. It is more productive to ask open-ended questions such as, “Can you explain to me what motivated you to say that in the meeting?” rather than accusatory ones, to encourage a more informative response.
Implementing a bridge-building conversation is vital for resolving conflicts. This involves expressing your own thoughts and feelings while also actively listening to the other person. Rephrasing and affirming what you hear from the other party demonstrates understanding and helps to prevent misunderstandings, contributing to a solution-focused discussion rather than one centered around blame.
In circumstances where a resolution is not immediately attainable, it might be appropriate to engage higher authorities, like a supervisor or HR department. Moreover, training sessions that reflect on positions, interests, needs, dignity, empathy, and active listening can empower team members to transform conflicts and collaborate more effectively. Providing tools for conflict transformation encourages individuals and community members to work together toward shared goals, which is especially important in diverse environments like Lebanon's refugee camps.
Finally, it's important to be cognizant of team dynamics and larger systemic issues, embracing interventions that include empathy and acknowledgment. By doing so, team members feel supported and heard, which allows for the prevention of discrimination, the reduction of conflict, and the promotion of cohesive living through relational skills.