Question

A recent HBR article suggests that "even the largest and most complex teams can work together effectively".

1. Describe strategies managers can implement to achieve the goal of managing teams effectively.

2. One of the common barriers to effective teams is conflict especially if the conflict is not managed properly. Discuss conflict, sources of conflict, and ways you could handle conflict in a team setting to become a strong, effective team. You may include personal experiences of working with effective and not so effective teams and groups.

Answer 1

1) Team management is a process in which common goals are accomplished by a leader with the help of his subordinates . He might use the following strategies,

1) Motivate team members for their contribution towards common goals.

2) He should arrange basic facilities like proper seating arrangements , workspace , canteen and other facilities to the team people.

3) He should watch on each team members and try to help them to overcome with any challenges .

4) He should integrate the functions of people in such way that everyone empowered to do anything incase of contingency .

5) He must utilize technology to make a proper an effective communication through social media platforms .

2) Conflict is a situation in which team members might have ego clashes , different views on team goals, personal concerns with some other individuals , issues related to benefits , problems with senior management etc.

Sources of conflict:

1) weak organizational policies :

One can see that people fight with each others due to weaker organizational structure and policies as well .

2) Poor communication management :

Many times , conflict arises due to ineffective communication among people. Even , team leader fail to communicate the real organizational expectations .

3) lack of leadership :

A better leadership can solve issues of organization otherwise conflict among people can be easily identified .

4) Heavy work load and stress :

Stress can produce conflict among subordinates. Some times , unequal work distribution might produce conflicting situations .

5) Ego problem in team members:

Some times , people quarrel and create conflicting situations due to their attitude and egoistic behavior .

6) Favoritism by top management  

If, certain people will be given more priority than other employees then it might create conflicting situations .

Ways to handle conflict:

1) Conflict can be resolved through avoidance as a technique. People can avoid it through soft attitude and behavior.

2) A better leadership can produce confidence among people and ultimately an effective team.

3) A sound team management related policies can control many loopholes in the system.

4) Accomodating with other members will solve the problems associated with conflicting situations.  

5) One can get rid of conflict by leaving one's personal issues or matters of benefits .