Resolving Project Team Disputes Effectively

Team Building Activities

We all know how frequently a small disagreement within the team members can flash-over into a full conflagration in no time, scorching you and your colleagues in minutes. What it means is that you as the leader of the project team need to think on your feet and take a quick decision to douse the flames before they have any significant negative effects on the team and project outcome.

Conflict resolution does have some trusted and tested techniques that can be used as per the specific situation. These techniques are listed as below;

Confronting: A resolution technique that involves face to face dialog and focuses on win-win outcome.
Compromising: This is where stakes are small and both parties looking for a quick resolution.
Smoothing: One party loses or obliges for the sake of achieving the overall larger goal or for future trade off.
Avoiding: Temporary solution to postpone issue for future. Leads to recurrence of the issue.
Forcing: Win lose situation where one party wins at the expense of other party; rarely brings a lasting solution.

The best answer is to have a conflict resolution mechanism set ahead of time - for example ground rules for the project team. This is something that team already has in place and agrees to abide by and has a buy in from all affected members.

The reason this is the best alternative to choose because trying to resolve a conflict when tempers are high may lead to distrust from one of the parties. While if you have ground rules laid out well in advance, there is no way it could be ignored by any party privy to the conflict. What has to be done is ascertain the facts and view it from the perspective of the rules already in place! Team norms should ideally be established when the unit is first formed. These are rules that help the group run effective meetings and make sure everyone is heard. Some examples of team norms:

Meetings will begin promptly when scheduled.
One person talks at a time; there are no side discussions
De-personalize discussion of issues - no attacks on people
E-mail and other communications will be answered within 24 hours.
In event of a disagreement, a final decision would be made by the PM/GM
When we pose an issue or a problem, we will also try to present a solution.
No responsibilities will be assigned unless the person being assigned the responsibility accepts it.
Do you have your ground rules set up for your project team?

Shyam Verma, PMP, ITIL

IT Project & Program Delivery Professional
LinkedIn:spverma. Twitter: Shammy11
This article is also available on blog site http://pmpower.wordpress.com/

Shyam Verma is seasoned Project & Program Management professional with strong technical background, Program management, Key account management & Service Delivery for global clients. He has over 15 years of experience in IT solution delivery in a variety of business domains spanning North America, Japan & Asia Pacific.

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Corporate Team Building Exercises

Team Building Activities

A corporate team is different from any other team, as the team is large and highly educated. These people are often prepared to work hard and do what it takes to get the job done, but what happens when the team falls off track? Having a great team is much like having a great marriage or education; it takes hard work and constant upkeep. If you want your team to thrive and provide great work for you and your corporation, you will have to give a little something back.

The team building exercises that are done with corporations are usually intense, and can be full weekend retreats. This is not only because the budget is larger than most other companies, but the need is greater. Much is expected from the team, and much will have to be taught. The following are some exercises that corporations may benefit from trying. These activities are based on team work and a will to get a job done the right way.

People platform: Participants may only touch the ground on the outside of the outer square and the inside of the inner square as they complete the task. The area in between the squares is off-limits. The entire group must participate. They may not stand or sit on each other's shoulders; everyone must be touching the ground. The objective is to have everyone on the inner square without touching outside of it. After the group creatively attempts this exercise, they must hold everyone off the ground for 10 seconds (the time it takes to sing "row, row, and row your boat...") An inner 2' x 2' and outer 6' x 6' tape outline of a square should be arranged prior to the exercise. Facilitators should take great care in ensuring participant safety throughout this exercise. Variations: If the group is slow to actively attempt the exercise, after a few minutes, announce a time limit by which they must finish. If a participant touches the area between the squares, tell them that they may no longer use that body part. If one member dominates the group, take away his/her ability to speak.

Processing Questions:

What were some of the challenges in completing this activity?

How did you overcome them?

What similarities do you find between this activity and your house operations?

What did this activity demonstrate to you about leadership?

Yurt Circle: The group forms a circle facing each other and counts off by two. You must have an even number of participants for this exercise. Individuals with shoulder and/or arm problems should not participate in this activity for their own safety. Members grasp hands in the circle. Make sure that height and weight of participants is evenly distributed around the circle. Instruct the group to simultaneously lean in the opposite direction while supporting each other. This means that the 1's lean forward and the 2's lean backward. Lean gradually, not all at once. Do it again. Change directions. Do it with eyes closed. Variations: Do it silently. Face outward and work through the process.

Processing Questions:

Was anyone tentative at the beginning of this exercise?

How did it feel to be reliant on others for support?

What would have happened if only one person let go? How does this relate to working in teams?

How is this exercise representative of our houses?

How can we develop more trust in our group?

These are only a few ideas of team building for corporations. When you are working with a large team it is always important that no person gets left behind. Include everyone, and everyone will learn from the activity.

To get more out of your team building check out my Team Building Activities website. It has tons of great content to ensure you're successful building great teams.

You can even find articles on awesome Team Building Exercises.

Just click either of the above links to take your team building to the next level.

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Evaluating Executive Coaching: Plenty of Benefits

Team Building Activities

At the heart of any successful organization is one thing - effective leadership. However, it will soon be time to acquire and prepare the next group of effective managers. This is one area where organizations cannot afford to treat lightly, and it is no surprise many opt for executive coaching. What exactly does that entail? In essence, any activity enhances the caliber of leadership within a company, or an individual. Improving one's ability to lead will usually take practice, persistence, and focus. Trainees must see that those at the top of the organization genuinely support behavioral changes. Yet, why should they? In this article, businesses will learn the many benefits offered by executive coaching.

For a company, there are many benefits to consider. One of the big ones is that employee turnover will be minimized. Employees will recognize that the company is investing in their future, and feel more motivated to stick with the company in the long-term. These newly trained employees will also raise the overall level of productivity, as their improved leadership and problem solving skills will allow them to minimize obstacles. What trainees learn related to communication will also benefit a company, resulting in employees that have improved interpersonal relationships with executives, other employees, and the business community. Certain coaching programs will also focus on making sure that the employee is aligned with company objectives, meaning that the employee will have better long-term vision, and be able to generate new ideas.

Not surprisingly, executive coaching will also provide several benefits to those who are being trained. The leadership and problem solving skills they learn will not only allow them to achieve confidence-building success at work, and work more effectively with co-workers, but will also allow them to have better relationships in their personal life. This leads to a healthier state of mind, which is something that everyone desires. As mentioned earlier, employees recognize that the company is making an investment in their long-term success, which means that one will not need to stress about job security in the immediate future. Knowing that a company is spending money on their future tells them they do indeed have a future with the company. Employees can also feel confident about using their improved problem solving abilities to generate innovative, new ideas for the company, which could lead to added praise and, in some cases, bonuses.

Now that companies and employees have a better idea of how executive coaching will benefit them, one must be wondering how it works. An employee might be exposed to several ways of experiential learning, gaining hands-on experience in professional settings, while also observing others. The program might also focus on self-efficacy, with activities designed to improve the individual's belief that they can be an effective leader. Coaches will also work with these employees to make sure that they understand the company's objectives, and can produce a clear vision for the long-term. As a result, employees will find that their leadership and problem solving abilities improve enough to ensure success now and into the future. To achieve this success, companies should find an effective provider of executive coaching today.

Companies will find that executive development offers many benefits, including the development of critical leadership and problem solving skills.

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Are Others Eating Your Lunch - Or - Have You Learnt to Say "NO"?

Team Building Activities

Learning to say NO might seem a selfish thing to do. BUT! By learning to say NO without feeling guilty, you will find time you never dreamed you had. You will quite literally claim back your life. This post is based on material from my friend Arthur Gobey.

Because NO is such powerful word, it can hurt or heal. Whenever you use the word "NO" you risk conflict. This is particularly true when dealing with people who do not habitually respect boundaries. It is worth, therefore, developing the skills required to use "NO". Having said that, it is sometimes (usually) better to say "NO" bluntly, without skill when you know it is required. There are countless online marketers who are trained to buttonhole you on a cell phone call, interrupting your meeting or your train of thought who will prey on your politeness until you shut them down.

When we are not used to saying "NO" we often think that saying "NO" will create implacable, eternal enemies. Consider some of the "NOs" you've weathered. Did you end up hating the person who said "No" to you? Were you crippled (apart from your ego)? No, you survived. So people do get over being told "NO" even when their entitlement demands strict compliance on your part. We all have the capacity to get over the rejection that comes with being told "NO" even by our very best friends.

The first sell is to yourself. Until you have convinced yourself that your time and energy are yours to manage, the following points will not be of much use. However when you are ready for this, here are some strategies you may wish to consider for saying "NO":

MONEY

"As a policy I don't lend money too friends"

"Sorry this is just not a good time for me"

"Sorry I'm self employed and my income fluctuates too much"

"Not to day I'm short of cash"

SALES

"No Thanks I'm not interested & attending a meeting will not change my mind"

"You seem very excited, I wish you luck, but it's not for me"

"I have turned down this offer before and have still not changed my mind"

"You are very persistent; I can see why you are a good sales person. But I've said no, please don't ask again"

FACE SAVING

Blame the kids / partner / dogs / baby sitter / mother in-law / Your job

HURTFUL JOKES / REMARKS

"I know you're an intelligent person, so I'm surprised you'd make a remark / tell a joke like that"

"That's not a fact, that's your opinion. And it's one I strongly disagree with"

"It's hard to believe that people still think like that in this day and age. I thought we were beyond the hurtful stereotypical attitudes"

DON`T ASK ME AGAIN EITHER

"Unless it's an emergency, I have to say NO, I'm not very good with animals / kids"

"I know how much you love your cat, and I don't think I'm up to that responsibility"

PASS THE BUCK

"Maybe you could ask Rachel around the corner"

ASK ME AGAIN BUT NOT NOW

"Sorry, no not this time"

"I can't help you this week but check with me next week"

NOT LENDING OUT THE CAR

"Sorry I'm just not comfortable lending my car to anyone"

"I know you're a good driver, but I worry too much, and I if something goes wrong I will feel terrible / angry and I don't want to do that"

NOT LENDING OUT BOOKS / CD`s / TOOLS / CLOTHES

"I have a policy about never lending out my books / CD`s"

"I'm much to attached to my books / CD`s to let them out of my sight"

"I have had a few bad experiences lending out (X). And I'm not prepared to risk our friendship over (X)"

NOT PLAYING TAXI

"I'm happy to drive you there, but I can't wait for you, you will have to catch a taxi back"

"I can take you as far as Cavendish, but then I have to veer off to Fish Hoek"

"It really wouldn't be convenient today. I've got a million stops to make and I don't know what time I'll be back"

At StrategyWorks we assist leaders and their teams, with those crucial conversations for clarity, decisions, action and outcomes. These conversations can be frustrating when people are not heard, the team cannot make decisions or the way forward remains vague. Leaders contact us at StrategyWorks when they are ready to do something different. In the process those involved in the conversations feel understood and challenged. At the end of the intervention, the leaders and their teams feel focused and released around a clear plan of action.

Come and visit us on our website at: http://www.strategyworks.co.za/.

If you enjoyed this article you can also sign up for our monthly newsletter that carries one guarantee - to be just a little out of the ordinary.

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Teamwork Characteristic 1: Contribute Competently

Team Building Activities

Teams are powerful tools. But, because teams consist of individual players, the team's success relies on the work that's collectively generated by the individuals. So, if each team player has strong abilities individually, it's very likely that the team as a whole will have hoards of potential as well. The reverse is also true - if individuals scramble, the team probably struggles.

So, it really comes down to the characteristics of each team member. Are you bringing your best to your team? Do you even know what it takes to be a successful team player? Well, let's start by addressing one of the six common characteristics among successful team members: COMPETENCE.

If you were going to hire a chef to cook a meal that would be served to twenty of your closest friends, would you care more about her smile or her culinary skills? I am going to guess you'd prioritize the latter. Now, if you were going to hire an event planner to coordinate a party for you and your friends, would you pay attention to her smile, her organizational abilities, or her taste in venue, food and decor? I am going to assume that all three qualities would be of importance to you.

We know that depending on your need, you will prioritize different skills. For this reason, you are likely to look for a combination of abilities when different areas of expertise are needed.

In life and most business situations, a combination of competencies is needed in order to be competitive, diverse, flexible and successful. If the team is just a collection of the same old person with the same cookie-cutter capabilities, well, what's the point of making it a team when the work would be the same if done by one?

If you're hoping to contribute to a team's success, it's essential that you develop or possess a competence that's needed and advantageous for the team. And with any skill that becomes your niche, be sure to balance it with skills that every successful team member needs: interpersonal skills, problem-solving skills and decision-making skills.

Struggling to find your place as a team player? Start by asking a few thought-provoking questions:

What do others tell me I'm good at?What do I enjoy doing?What additional training or reading could I do to further develop this skill?In what ways could my team benefit if I brought this competence to the table?What team project is in need of this skill the most?

Remember, you are competent because you are capable, now just do some work to determine where your competency lies, so that you can reveal your capabilities.

Doug C. Watsabaugh, senior partner at WCW Partners, understands how to meet your unique performance challenges. With more than 20 years of experience, WCW Partners is a performance-improvement company that helps businesses revitalize their results and achieve record-breaking performance.

If you are looking to excel in sales, service or leadership, let Doug develop the capability in you!

http://wcwpartners.com/

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Teamwork Characteristic 6: Collaboratively Cohesive

Team Building Activities

In this series, The Tricks of Teamwork, we have explored the characteristics that are critical to one's skill and success as a team player. This article will focus on the last of the six, which is Collaboration.

Teams do not need to be inseparable by any means. We are individuals, so some level of separateness is to be expected, but when our independence interferes with our ability to work together toward a common goal, we know we are in trouble. As a team, we have to be moving in the same direction; otherwise, it is impossible to experience any unity or camaraderie.

In order for a group to be operating as a team, each individual must be willing to align her needs and objectives with those of her team. If one player is determined to "hog the ball," or be a "lone ranger," or stand out as the "all-star," that action is bound to alter the other players' attitudes. Selfishness of any sort separates players, whereas, collaboration creates cohesion and concordance.

Let's imagine this scenario. A basketball team has five all-stars that the coach typically leaves in during the entire game. These five players are so good that substitutes are not needed. Well, if one player unexpectedly decided that during a particular game, he was not going to pass to anybody, but instead, he was going to play the entire game by himself. What would happen? Well, two things would obviously result from that situation. First, his team members would probably be furious and frustrated. Second, the other team would quickly catch on to his game plan and would focus all of their energy on this player, which would inevitably shut him down and leave him no room to succeed. So, his selfish ambitions would cost him his reputation and his team's support, but even more noticeably, his behavior would cost his team the game. Individual decisions made in a team environment will undoubtedly affect the rest of the team. The positive news in this is that as an individual you have a lot of influence over your team's success, the negative news is that some team players use this power poorly.

Getting along is definitely not always the easiest thing to do, but staying on the same side is essential if you hope to at least be looking in the same direction. Building this connection is quite possibly the first step a team should take to find their way to the other five tricks of teamwork: Competency, Commitment, Adaptability, Communication and Awareness.

Doug C. Watsabaugh, senior partner at WCW Partners, understands how to meet your unique performance challenges. With more than 20 years of experience, WCW Partners is a performance-improvement company that helps businesses revitalize their results and achieve record-breaking performance.

If you are looking to excel in sales, service or leadership, let Doug develop the capability in you! http://wcwpartners.com/

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Fun Team Building Event

Team Building Activities

Casino parties add exciting fun for all kinds of corporate events.

Create a Casino Night that your employees and/or customers will enjoy and remember for months to come. Every corporate event is an opportunity to build a stronger and more connected team.

What is a Casino Party?
A casino night is a great way to have a company holiday party or corporate event. Casino tables straight from Las Vegas and real casino weight chips by the best casino companies. They set up the event to look like a Las Vegas Casino.

When your guests arrive they are greeted by dealers who are friendly, and fun! Each of your guests will be handed a "funny money" voucher that they are invited to cash in for casino chips. The chips can be used at your favorite casino game table or you can go back and forth between tables. You don't have to be an experienced casino player to have fun. Professional staff will explain everything and entertain you in the process! Unlike casino gambling in Vegas, the house doesn't always win at our casino nights, you do!

Why a Casino Party?
Casino nights for any holiday or company party produce team building in a fun and exciting atmosphere. It is the great answer to the age old question every boss or human resources person has. "Okay so we take the crew out to dinner, now what?" Your guests can enjoy a private dinner at a reception hall or hotel/resort where casino tables and dealers are already in place and ready to go.

During the event, employees can sit together, cheer each other on, and laugh with their boss. While Las Vegas and other casinos are designed to take the player's real money, our events are designed to make people feel like winners! No one loses any money and the team building camaraderie is huge!

Affordability - Casino Night Events are competitively priced with many other types of entertainment. If you think you can't afford a casino night, please check with a local, reputable casino entertainment company.

Fun - Dealers make the difference. Dealers are first and foremost there to entertain your guest. They are always dressed up and super friendly. They love people and will be there to make your casino night event enjoyable for everyone.

Team Building Atmosphere -Dealers are trained entertainers as well as casino party dealers. They will be there to work as a unit to help your company enjoy your event. Share our magic and excitement of "vegas" casino at your next corporate event.

Casino Parties by On the Go Casino® Parties Inc

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