Management Tip of the Day: 3 Steps to Stop a Team Fight

Are you having trouble viewing this email? If so, click here to see it in a web browser. HOME   |   BLOGS   |   THE MAGAZINE   |   BOOKS   |   AUTHORS   |   STORE RSS   |   Mobile AUGUST 10, 2010 3 Steps to Stop a Team Fight Working with teams can be a frustrating experience, especially when seemingly straightforward conflict devolves into personal or protracted disputes. Next time your team members start throwing proverbial punches, take these three steps to get them to stop fighting and start working: Intervene early. The sooner you step in the better. A simple disagreement can turn into a serious conflict within seconds when emotions are running high. Focus on team norms. Refer the parties back to something they can, or hopefully already have, agreed on. Use team norms to guide behavior and help the parties identify common ground. Create a shared agreement. To reach an accord, have the team members talk it through. With all parties' cards on the table, facilitate an outcome that is amenable to all. Avoid a lowest common denominator solution. Instead find one that integrates both parties' interests. Today's Management Tip was adapted from "Get Your Team to Stop Fighting and Start Working" by Amy Gallo. Read the full post and join the discussion » Share Today's Tip: RELATED PRODUCT How to Pick a Good Fight Harvard Business Review Article Peace and harmony are overrated. Though conflict-free teamwork is often held up as the be-all and end-all of organizational life, it actually can be the worst thing to ever happen to a company. ADVERTISEMENT Follow the Tip: PREVIOUS TIPS Know the Value of a Pat on the Back Forget Management Breakthroughs — Keep It Simple Beware of the Invisible Promotion Avoid the 3 Tendencies of Bad Bosses Take the Extreme Question Challenge 3 Ways to Improve Performance Without a Re-Org Create Great Strategy with Stories, Not Plans Win the Sale by Winning Your Customer's Heart 3 Ways to Bring Out the Best in Your People Take One Minute to Control Your Temper BEST SELLERS Guide to Persuasive Presentations HBR's 10 Must Reads: The Essentials Financial Intelligence Collection HBR's 10 Must Reads on Managing Yourself Guide to Better Business Writing Job Seekers, Take Note Whether you've been laid off or are considering a job change, HBR's Guide to Getting a Job will help ensure that your next move is the right one. Only $19.95. Buy now » UNSUBSCRIBE   |   UPDATE YOUR PROFILE   |   MORE EMAIL NEWSLETTERS   |   PRIVACY POLICY Was this email forwarded to you? If so, sign up to start receiving your own copy. ABOUT THIS MAILING LIST You have received this message because you subscribed to the "Management Tip of the Day" email newsletter from Harvard Business Review. If at any point you wish to remove yourself from this list, change your email address, or sign up for other email newsletters and alerts, please visit the Harvard Business Review Email Newsletter Preference Center. ADVERTISE WITH HBR This enewsletter is read by thousands of decision makers every day. Learn more about connecting your brand with this audience. Copyright © 2010 Harvard Business School Publishing, an affiliate of Harvard Business School. All rights reserved. Harvard Business Publishing | 60 Harvard Way | Boston, MA 02163 Customer Service: 800-545-7685 (+1-617-783-7600 outside the U.S. and Canada)