Learn how account managers can maintain team collaboration by resolving conflicts effectively, ensuring a cohesive and productive environment.

Focus on Interests, Not Positions: Encourage team members to discuss their underlying interests rather than sticking rigidly to their positions. This approach helps in uncovering the true needs and desires of each party, opening up possibilities for creative solutions that can satisfy everyone’s underlying interests. By focusing on interests, the team can move away from a win-lose mentality and work towards mutually beneficial outcomes.

Last updated on Jul 15, 2024

Here's how you can maintain collaboration by effectively resolving conflicts within your team.

In any team, conflicts are inevitable. However, as someone who manages accounts, your ability to navigate these disagreements is crucial to maintaining collaboration. When conflicts arise, it's essential to address them promptly and constructively. By doing so, you can turn potential setbacks into opportunities for team growth and improved dynamics. The key lies in understanding the nature of the conflict, the perspectives involved, and the best methods to resolve the issue while keeping everyone's goals aligned.

Key takeaways from this article

Focus on interests:

When conflict hits, steer the conversation towards the team's underlying interests, not just their stated positions. This opens doors to solutions that resonate with everyone and keeps collaboration strong.
Seek mediation:

If conflicts feel like tricky mazes, bringing in a mediator can provide a fresh perspective. They'll guide the team through tough conversations and toward common ground, ensuring the collaborative spirit stays alive.

This summary is powered by AI and these experts

hajaa awad

Community Mobilizer|Senior AP…

1 Acknowledge Issues

When conflict arises within your team, the first step is to acknowledge it. Avoiding or dismissing issues can lead to resentment and a breakdown in communication. Start by creating an environment where team members feel safe to express their concerns without fear of reprisal. Encourage open dialogue and ensure everyone understands that their opinions are valued. This approach not only helps in identifying the root of the conflict but also reinforces a culture of transparency and trust.

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Carli Sidoti

Brand & Marketing Strategist | Go-to-Market Expert | Fractional VP, Marketing | Brand Builder | Marketing Communication Consultant | Female Leader | I Get Sh*t Done | Solopreneur
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Approach it with an open mind, and try to remain unbiased. Avoid showing negative, reactive emotions/tones to exhibit strength and poise.

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Alexandra L.

Analista de Fabricação| Análise de Dados | Six Sigma| SAP/ERP| Logística
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🛠️ Manter a colaboração em equipe é essencial! 🤝 Para resolver conflitos de forma eficaz, é crucial reconhecer os problemas rapidamente. Escute ativamente, busque entender as perspectivas de todos e promova um ambiente aberto ao diálogo. A transparência e o respeito mútuo são chaves para transformar desafios em oportunidades de crescimento conjunto. 🌟 #Liderança #Colaboração #GestãoDeConflitos #TrabalhoEmEquipe

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2 Listen Actively

Active listening is a cornerstone of conflict resolution. It requires full concentration, understanding, responding, and then remembering what is being said. As an account manager, you should listen to all sides of the conflict without bias. By doing so, you demonstrate respect for your team members' viewpoints and show that you are committed to finding a resolution that considers everyone's input. This can significantly reduce tensions and pave the way for a collaborative solution.

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Kinnari Shah

Helping businesses save time and money while streamlining their accounting processes | Virtual Accounts Controller | Real Estate and E-commerce Expert | 10+ Years of Experience
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Active listening isn't just about hearing words; it's about truly understanding your team members' perspectives. By valuing their input, you not only resolve conflicts but also build a stronger, more cohesive team.

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3 Evaluate Objectively

Evaluating the situation objectively is critical when resolving team conflicts. Remove personal biases and focus on the facts and how the conflict impacts team goals and client satisfaction. Encourage everyone to step back and view the issue from a business perspective rather than a personal one. This helps to depersonalize the conflict and steer the discussion towards finding a professional, mutually beneficial resolution.

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Aurang Zaib Ashraf Shami - Advocate - Mediator - Coach (LLM, MBA, CHRMP)

+18K Followers | Legal | Commercial | Power Sector | Financing | Author | Lecturer | LLM, MBA, CHRMP
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“The ability to see things from another person’s point of view is one of the most important skills in life.” (Henry Ford) Objectivity is the compass that guides us through the turbulent waters of conflict. It requires a keen ability to separate facts from emotions, and to assess the situation from multiple perspectives. A useful tool for objective evaluation is Root Cause Analysis (RCA). By systematically identifying the underlying causes of a conflict, leaders can develop targeted solutions that address the core issues. Call to Action: Leaders should encourage their teams to practice "Cognitive Reframing" to "Challenge Assumptions" and broaden their perspectives.

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Henry Veasley III

Entrepreneur, Board Member, Public Speaker, Accounts Receivables Expert
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Slow things down. It feels counterintuitive for really effective managers, but when you slow things down, you have time to ask questions and really get an understanding for what is happening to cause the conflict. Knowing how the conflict relates to the team objective is critical. By objectively evaluating the issue, and presenting everyone with their concerns for clarity, you can move on to a resolution that is beneficial to all involved.

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4 Communicate Clearly

Clear communication is essential in conflict resolution. As an account manager, you must articulate the issues, the potential impact on the team and client projects, and the proposed solutions in a way that is understandable to all team members. Avoid technical jargon unless it's necessary and ensure that your message is not lost in translation. Clarity reduces misunderstandings and helps everyone stay focused on the common goal.

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5 Implement Solutions

After discussing the conflict and agreeing on a solution, it's time to implement it. Ensure that the agreed-upon actions are clear, achievable, and have a set timeline. It's also important to follow up on the implementation to see if the solution is effective or if further adjustments are needed. By doing this, you not only resolve the current conflict but also set a precedent for how future disagreements should be handled.

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6 Foster Teamwork

Finally, use conflict resolution as an opportunity to strengthen teamwork. Recognize and celebrate the successful resolution of conflicts and the efforts of your team in reaching an agreement. This reinforces positive behavior and encourages a collaborative team culture. Remember, conflict isn't always negative; it can be a catalyst for innovation and improvement within your team when managed effectively.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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hajaa awad

Community Mobilizer|Senior AP Accountant|General Accountant |Investment Accountant|
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Focus on Interests, Not Positions: Encourage team members to discuss their underlying interests rather than sticking rigidly to their positions. This approach helps in uncovering the true needs and desires of each party, opening up possibilities for creative solutions that can satisfy everyone’s underlying interests. By focusing on interests, the team can move away from a win-lose mentality and work towards mutually beneficial outcomes.

Like
Aurang Zaib Ashraf Shami - Advocate - Mediator - Coach (LLM, MBA, CHRMP)

+18K Followers | Legal | Commercial | Power Sector | Financing | Author | Lecturer | LLM, MBA, CHRMP
Report contribution
Leaders should consider devising and implementing a "Conflict Resolution Policy" and facilitating employees/ team-members in ongoing training and development. To explore additional topics related to conflict resolution can also be helpful, such as: a) The role of organizational culture in conflict management b) The impact of conflict on mental health and well-being c) The use of technology in conflict resolution d) The importance of conflict resolution training for leaders Precisely, I would love to quote Tony Robbins as “The quality of your life is determined by the quality of your relationships.”

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Here's how you can maintain collaboration by effectively resolving conflicts within your team.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Acknowledge Issues

2 Listen Actively

3 Evaluate Objectively

4 Communicate Clearly

5 Implement Solutions

6 Foster Teamwork

7 Here’s what else to consider

Account Management

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Here's how you can maintain collaboration by effectively resolving conflicts within your team.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Acknowledge Issues

2 Listen Actively

3 Evaluate Objectively

4 Communicate Clearly

5 Implement Solutions

6 Foster Teamwork

7 Here’s what else to consider

Account Management

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