How Can a Team Benefit From Task Conflict?

by Scott Shpak
The existence of conflict may not indicate problems within an organization.

The existence of conflict may not indicate problems within an organization.

Hemera Technologies/ Images

There is no way to avoid conflict in the workplace. But savvy business owners realize that conflict can be managed, so they build conflict management into the business culture. A task conflict can help pinpoint problems and inefficiencies. By resolving task conflicts, work teams can remove work bottlenecks that hamper the business.

Defining Task Conflict

Task conflict occurs when there are differences between how workers approach a job or obstacle in the workplace. The focus of conflict is on the task and how it is performed. Relationship conflict is its evil twin. It is based on dislike and mistrust and focuses on interpersonal conflict. Task conflict is easy to identify because it involves multiple potential approaches to the work in question. In contrast, relationship conflict will bury the task beneath personal issues.

Business Culture

As a small business owner, you must create a climate for effective task conflict management. Accept the fact that there will be conflict in your workplace and educate your staff on the differences between the types of conflict. When work teams understand that task conflict is a positive force for their environment and the work they do, they become more apt to involve themselves in the task process.

Skills Development

Initiate task conflict management principles within small groups that meet regularly. Depending on the size of your business, this might be everyone at the company. For larger companies, groups that meet weekly are most suited. Remind the team of the differences between the types of conflict. Appoint a facilitator whose main focus is to keep discussions on track. Encourage everyone to listen carefully, and to delay their responses until one viewpoint is presented, considered and clarified. The goal is to training your team to troubleshoot and solve problems.

Preventative Strategies

Many small business owners are team leaders by necessity, so having conflict management strategies at your disposal is important. Maintain a strong focus on business goals to keep teams pointed toward solutions after conflict. Re-establish goals every so often. Establish ground rules for meetings. In some cases, it's helpful to use parliamentary procedures and rules of order. In other cases, having the team develop a conflict game plan can foster understanding and ownership of task conflict among members.

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