Final answer:
Facilitating a cohesive team when a member dominates requires the leader to manage communication effectively, use open-ended questions, and ensure balanced dialogue.
Step-by-step explanation:
To facilitate a more cohesive team when dealing with a senior team member who dominates conversations, the team leader should focus on building trust, improving communication, and effectively managing disputes and conflicts.
The team leader can initiate a conversation by choosing words carefully to avoid inflaming the situation, staying calm, and listening to the senior member's perspective. Open-ended questions should be used to understand the member's motives and encourage dialogue without assigning blame.
Restating what the senior member says can affirm that their contributions are heard, while also making it clearer that the team values a balance in the conversation. The leader should clearly convey that expressing how a situation makes the team feel is just as important as being heard, and encourage turn-taking in speaking and listening.
Additionally, framing concerns as opportunities to learn and improve can help maintain a positive working relationship. If necessary, the leader should be prepared to involve a supervisor or HR department.
The goal is to repair any wounded feelings and reach greater mutual understanding. Being proactive, flexible, and resourceful in finding solutions to team dynamics, and demonstrating a willingness to go beyond the minimum requirements can significantly contribute to a collaborative and successful working environment.
Restating points and expressing feelings also contribute to understanding and resolving conflicts. The team leader should maintain a positive approach, being prepared to involve HR if necessary.