There are several types on conflict that can affect a team's ability to perform a given task or accomplish a goal. Resolving the conflict should be the desired result of any conflict that arises. The first step is identifying the conflict. While there are many kinds, conflicts can be broken down into five distinctive groups. Although each have differing causes, there are cases when all or some can impact a team. It is possible for the team to identify and resolve conflicts on their own. Communication is always the primary task for any team to function properly.
Healthy conflicts can happen when a team is made up of like minded individuals, that have the same goals or agenda. The team members are interested in the task or assignment, and will use all their resources to complete it. Disagreements will come up for a variety of reasons, but the team recognizes their reason for existing and problems are handled before resolution is needed. Some might say that this involves giving in or compromising. This conflict type is the most straightforward, and lends itself to resolution in an timely matter. .
Toxic, or unhealthy conflict, occurs most often in teams that disagree with each other over various issues. Competition among team members is key factor for this type of conflict. "Oregon"calls this "interest based" conflict, when team members have agendas based on practical, emotional, and vested issues. The team members are usually from diverse backgrounds, and the task either does not compel them or provides no direct benefit to them once completed. This type of conflict is probably the most difficult to resolve.
Most teams have leadership, whether it is an individual on the team, or some form of oversight. Leadership conflicts can occur within the team if a leadership role is assumed, but not defined, in two different forms. If the role is assumed by a member that is not accepted by the other team members, the conflict arises over resentment to that person.
