Agile Conflict Resolution Hacks You Should Master

A conflict in an Agile team usually indicates that the members are actively involved in the team. They either try to drive a change accordingly or raise an issue against the actions of other team members. Conflicts help the teams become more mature and effective. However, resolving a conflict between the team members is becoming more like an umpire between two fighting teams. It is the Agile team, who is responsible for making everybody agree to choose a right solution.

The way of handling conflicts is called conflict style. In the year of 1972, Thomas-Kilmann introduced different styles of conflict resolution. At an initial stage, it is vital to understand the different conflict styles before developing strategies for handling the disputes. The five conflict resolution styles introduced by Thomas-Kilmann are Competing, Accommodating, Avoiding, Compromising, and Collaborating.  To know more, check out CSM certification. 

What is Agile Conflict?

Agile conflict is a disagreement between two or more parties that threatens the successful completion of a project. It can range from subtle issues that lead to small complaints to more dramatic disagreements between team members.

Understanding the root cause of the conflict is important, as this can help you manage disagreements and ensure that they do not impede progress. Agile conflict resolution techniques can help teams work together successfully and ensure the successful completion of projects.

What are the Easiest Ways to Resolve Conflict?

One of the easiest ways to resolve a conflict is to take a holistic approach. This involves understanding the individual motivations of each team member, appreciating the different perspectives they bring, and finding a solution that works for everyone.

It is also important to keep communication open and honest, as this can help foster understanding and collaboration among team members. Additionally, having a well-defined process for conflict resolution can help teams navigate disagreements without causing further disruption. 

What are the Steps in Conflict Resolution?

Disputes between parties can often be resolved without the need for litigation. However, if parties cannot agree, conflict resolution is an effective alternative. Conflict resolution typically involves five steps: 

• Identify the Issue: The parties involved should identify and clarify the issue. Conflicts that are unresolved for long periods and then become destructive and intense. These conflicts are typically based on differences in values or worldviews and involve non-negotiable issues. Conversely, disputes are usually short-term conflicts over specific approaches, outcomes, or solutions.
•  Have a Neutral Stance: During conflict mediation, one of the most important tools for successful resolution is having a neutral stance. This involves not taking sides in the dispute and instead adopting a position of impartiality. It allows for both parties to be heard without bias and promotes understanding.  
• Reframing the Conflict: Moving the parties away from a win/loss mentality is essential for effective negotiations. All parties should have the opportunity to clearly express their positions and should be able to do so positively and constructively. By doing so, we can shift towards a solution-building process. Everyone involved should take a collaborative approach and be willing to look for mutually beneficial solutions. 
• Solutions-oriented Discussions: We can often find an ideal solution to human issues without fully understanding the problem, thanks to the Solution-focused approach. We learn from the process that engaging the team in creating the best possible outcome for them is possible when we focus on defining what the situation, environment, or process will look like after the issue is resolved. 
• Agreement of Review: They should review the agreement to ensure it is just and equitable. This process can provide a better alternative to litigation and help ensure that all parties involved are satisfied with the outcome. 

Benefits of Conflict Resolution

Conflict can be a positive factor if it is resolved potentially. If a conflict is not handled properly, it affects the project by damaging targets, breaking down the teamwork, and eventually the team members disengage themselves from their work. Resolving conflicts successfully will not only help teams solve many issues but also offer many benefits that are not even expected at first. The benefits of conflict resolution are as follows:

Increased Understanding

Discussion on resolving a conflict allow teams to know each other, mount up awareness and search the best talent from the ideas coming out from the team members. 

Increased Team Cohesion

After dispute resolution, team members form stronger mutual coordination and increase the ability to work together. 

Improved Self-knowledge  

Conflict resolution helps members examine the issue deeply, which enhances their knowledge, sharpens the target, and elevates productivity. Enroll in KnowledgeHut CSM certification and be a pro Scrum Master.

Agile Conflict Management Hacks

Following are the possible conflict management techniques that can help teams manage the disputes smoothly:

Engage in Personal Coaching

• Good relationship among team members is important. So always try to treat the members calmly and politely, make efforts in building a mutual respect and always be constructive while separating people and the associated problems.
• Always pay heed to the root cause. Listen carefully and act.
• Welcome ideas from the team members to reach to a proper solution.

Mentor a Team Through a Conflict Resolution Process

This conflict resolution technique consists of four steps:

Step 1- Set the Scene

Initially, you need to identify the recurrent conflict patterns within the team. Guide a team to make them understand that conflict is a common problem and it can be solved by using an assertive approach rather than being aggressive.

Step 2- Gather Information 

Secondly, listen to others’ point of view and always respect their decisions. Gather information from the team, understand the conflict deeply and try to find a solution.

Step 3- Brainstorm to Find out a Solution

Arrange spontaneous group discussions to share the ideas on any tasks.

Step 4- Confer a Solution

This is the last stage in conflict resolution. Through this step, the hurdles may be removed. Follow the “Be calm, be patient, have respect” principle throughout. 

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Conclusion

Agile teams are considered to be collaborative in their conflicts. Unless handled properly, conflicts can be destructive. Non-confrontational discussions and positive approaches help resolve a conflict peacefully. It is often effective to resolve conflicts between team members when they discuss issues and possible solutions and listen carefully to each other.