How does TeamSTEPPS suggest dealing with conflict in teams?

Dealing with conflict effectively is crucial for maintaining team effectiveness, as TeamSTEPPS emphasizes. The correct approach, which involves addressing conflicts openly and respectfully, allows team members to express their concerns and viewpoints. This open communication fosters a culture of trust and psychological safety, where team members feel valued and heard.

By engaging in constructive conversations about conflicts, teams can identify underlying issues and collaboratively work towards solutions. This process not only resolves the immediate conflict but also strengthens team cohesion and improves overall collaboration. Such transparency in communication also helps prevent misunderstandings from escalating, ensuring that team dynamics remain healthy and focused on achieving shared goals.

In contrast, avoiding confrontation may lead to unresolved issues festering beneath the surface, undermining team morale and effectiveness. Delegating conflicts to a leader or supervisor can create dependency and may not empower team members to resolve their own disputes, inhibiting skill development in conflict resolution. Reassigning team members may provide temporary relief but does not address the root causes of the conflict, potentially leading to similar issues in the future.