3 Blocks to Success in any Company:
Sure Signs of Team Conflict, and what to do about it.
When your team suddenly stops Communicating, loses Commitment and Creativity – you are in the middle of Team Conflict that WILL stop your business in its tracks.
If you are an Executive, a Team Leader or a Manager of people – you must recognize these 3 C’s as blockages and signs of team conflict. Often this conflict is hidden below the surface, and most often it causes terribly stressful day-to-day pressure.
How will you know if these blocks are what is causing your team to stagnate, underachieve or just go through the motions of work, work, work, collect pay – work, work, collect pay?
Remember that these 3 Communication, Creativity and Commitment blocks could wipe your team OUT! So this is what you need to look out for, to catch conflict before it causes too much damage.
1. Look and Listen for the Communication Blocks
Incessant gossiping and backstabbing, confusing cultural clashes, misunderstanding and miscommunications – are signs of a team that is in serious conflict and is in danger of self-destructing. |
These are simply signs that either communication is blocked, or your team members are by nature, personality, culture or communication style – simply unable to speak directly to the team members who can make a difference.
Look for people, who hide behind the CC and BCC on their emails. They are hiding from the responsibility of actually speaking to their team members. This will destroy relationships and communication within your team.
2. Identify the Creativity Blocks
Creativity and innovation is the life blood of any growing organisation. And when this stops so does your team and your organisation!
The top signs of creativity blocks will emanate in direct personality clashes, negativity, bullying and arguing. This is a sign that team members are behaving as individuals, and do not recognize that other people add to them.
It is here where your team and company/ organization will become stagnant and more creative opposition teams will wave you goodbye, as they fly ahead.
3. Observe Commitment Blocks
A lack of professionalism, disrespect for team members and clients, diminished - or no Professionalism, poor accountability, excessive absenteeism will let you know that your team is just going through the motions.
Are your team members merely going through the motions? Are they coming to work because “it’s a job.”
Remember! These 3 Top Signs – are Red Flag Warnings to any team leader, executive and/ or managers that something really has to change and it has to change FAST!
So start looking out for the 3 C’s – the blocks that will warn you when your team is in dire straits! And then take immediate action.
Put in place a team-agreed, team-managed code of conduct to cut away the causes of conflict and the resultant stress. If you don’t - your days will grind by in frustration, as you, or your managers, attempt to micro manage your team’s interpersonal relationships.
Kind regards,
Brian V Moore
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Saturday, June 14, 2008
A Huge Transformational Teambuilding experience, in Paradise!
Our wonderful Namibian sojourn.
A Huge Transformational Team building experience, in Paradise!
As we sit here, in our office, at our stunning new Namibian kiaat boardroom table, we can see an aerial photo of Oranjemund on the wall.
In the photo, the mist is sneaking in from the Atlantic ocean towards the village, it is already covering the shores of South Africa and Namibia and the huge mouth of the Orange river. Although we can't see them in the photo, we know that the wild Gemsbok stroll through the town and across the golf course, and the pink flamingos line the Orange river estuary. It is here at certain times of the year that the fishing is excellent.
Somewhere in the town Oom Willie is making another half-length VW Bug! And Eloolos is delivering another wonderful Chicken Liver Peri-Peri pizza.
Within the Oranjemund, the quality of life for all people, in particular for children, is outstanding. Small children roam the streets on their bicycles, and the town is practically crime-free.
If I were looking for a place to settle and to build a career, I would apply for a position there. Freedom is something which cannot be bought at any price! Add freedom to an amazing primary school, a wonderful private hospital, stunning sports facilities and a wonderful country!
Beyond the village our clients and friends are working to push back the Atlantic ocean to secure the World's purest diamonds. In the ocean, ship-based crews are sucking ore-bearing soil from the gullies, to raise the once-Kimberley-based diamonds to the surface.
The history of this special place and the diamonds that are mined here, stretches back 100 years, when Joseph Lewala found the first diamond in 1908.
Back to the photo, where we can see the various sports fields in the village, two of which doubled up as training rooms for the wonderfully inclusive Celebrating Humanity Transformational Team building programme - Sida !Nans (Nama/ Damara for Our team).
We will always be grateful for the opportunity to work with the people of Namdeb Diamond Mining Corporation!
Our company was, one of three, invited to submit proposals in October 2005. Two companies, one from South Africa and another from Windhoek - Namibia were also invited.
In June 2006, I presented the Celebrating Humanity programme, in Oranjemund. My journey, which included a personal fact-finding mission took 4 days - all in all- from Durban. And each of the companies had only 20 minutes for their presentations.
We were well looked after in this very self sufficient community and were delighted to be awarded the contract.
A new Training Manager, Pauline Thomas and AGM - Paul Sparks, took over the project and powerfully set us on track to begin an incredible transformational teambuilding program.
After a very successful pilot program it was decided that the programe would be facilitated for all 2900 Namdeb team members. The programme kicked off in late June 2007, with 2 teams. A week later our third team began training.
This was the first time that a training project of this magnitude was facilitated in Namdeb or by our team. And when all was said and done it was an incredible success. The T&D (Training and Development) team kicked into top gear and with their volunteer representatives from all areas of the mine, delivered teams to the training rooms day after day!
Within the greater group we had the opportunity to transform a number of conflicted teams. These were not office conflicts - although the program works equally well in any toxic team. The teams that we worked with highly stressed and again it took us a mere 24 hours, over three days to guide them to remove the team conflicts. And they are still going well, now.
If you visit our site to get a copy of of my eBook - Team Conflict Resolution Strategies.
Regards,
Brian V Moore
brian@celebratinghumanityinternational.co.uk
A Huge Transformational Team building experience, in Paradise!
As we sit here, in our office, at our stunning new Namibian kiaat boardroom table, we can see an aerial photo of Oranjemund on the wall.
In the photo, the mist is sneaking in from the Atlantic ocean towards the village, it is already covering the shores of South Africa and Namibia and the huge mouth of the Orange river. Although we can't see them in the photo, we know that the wild Gemsbok stroll through the town and across the golf course, and the pink flamingos line the Orange river estuary. It is here at certain times of the year that the fishing is excellent.
Somewhere in the town Oom Willie is making another half-length VW Bug! And Eloolos is delivering another wonderful Chicken Liver Peri-Peri pizza.
Within the Oranjemund, the quality of life for all people, in particular for children, is outstanding. Small children roam the streets on their bicycles, and the town is practically crime-free.
If I were looking for a place to settle and to build a career, I would apply for a position there. Freedom is something which cannot be bought at any price! Add freedom to an amazing primary school, a wonderful private hospital, stunning sports facilities and a wonderful country!
Beyond the village our clients and friends are working to push back the Atlantic ocean to secure the World's purest diamonds. In the ocean, ship-based crews are sucking ore-bearing soil from the gullies, to raise the once-Kimberley-based diamonds to the surface.
The history of this special place and the diamonds that are mined here, stretches back 100 years, when Joseph Lewala found the first diamond in 1908.
Back to the photo, where we can see the various sports fields in the village, two of which doubled up as training rooms for the wonderfully inclusive Celebrating Humanity Transformational Team building programme - Sida !Nans (Nama/ Damara for Our team).
We will always be grateful for the opportunity to work with the people of Namdeb Diamond Mining Corporation!
Our company was, one of three, invited to submit proposals in October 2005. Two companies, one from South Africa and another from Windhoek - Namibia were also invited.
In June 2006, I presented the Celebrating Humanity programme, in Oranjemund. My journey, which included a personal fact-finding mission took 4 days - all in all- from Durban. And each of the companies had only 20 minutes for their presentations.
We were well looked after in this very self sufficient community and were delighted to be awarded the contract.
A new Training Manager, Pauline Thomas and AGM - Paul Sparks, took over the project and powerfully set us on track to begin an incredible transformational teambuilding program.
After a very successful pilot program it was decided that the programe would be facilitated for all 2900 Namdeb team members. The programme kicked off in late June 2007, with 2 teams. A week later our third team began training.
This was the first time that a training project of this magnitude was facilitated in Namdeb or by our team. And when all was said and done it was an incredible success. The T&D (Training and Development) team kicked into top gear and with their volunteer representatives from all areas of the mine, delivered teams to the training rooms day after day!
Within the greater group we had the opportunity to transform a number of conflicted teams. These were not office conflicts - although the program works equally well in any toxic team. The teams that we worked with highly stressed and again it took us a mere 24 hours, over three days to guide them to remove the team conflicts. And they are still going well, now.
If you visit our site to get a copy of of my eBook - Team Conflict Resolution Strategies.
Regards,
Brian V Moore
brian@celebratinghumanityinternational.co.uk
http://www.celebratinghumanityinternational.co.uk
Conflict Resolution - Ten Conflict Resolution Mistakes To Avoid
And here is an article on the 10 Worst ways to resolve conflict - makes good reading and makes a lot of sense...
Enjoy,
Brian V Moore
Conflict Resolution - Ten Conflict Resolution Mistakes To Avoid:
"Conventional wisdom (and research) says that good communication can improve relationships, increasing intimacy, trust and support. The converse is also true: poor communication can weaken bonds, creating mistrust and even contempt! Here are some examples of negative and even destructive attitudes and communication patterns that can exacerbate conflict in a relationship. How many of these sound like something you’d do?
1. Avoiding Conflict Altogether:
Rather than discussing building frustrations in a calm, respectful manner, some people just don’t say anything to their partner until they’re ready to explode, and then blurt it out in an angry, hurtful way. This seems to be the less stressful route—avoiding an argument altogether—but usually causes more stress to both parties, as tensions rise, resentments fester, and a much bigger argument eventually results. It's much healthier to address and resolve conflict.
2. Being Defensive:
Rather than addressing a partner’s complaints with an objective eye and willingness to understand the other person’s point of view, defensive people steadfastly deny any wrongdoing and work hard to avoid looking at the possibility that they could be contributing to a problem. Denying responsibility..."
http://www.celebratinghumanityinternational.co.uk
Enjoy,
Brian V Moore
Conflict Resolution - Ten Conflict Resolution Mistakes To Avoid:
"Conventional wisdom (and research) says that good communication can improve relationships, increasing intimacy, trust and support. The converse is also true: poor communication can weaken bonds, creating mistrust and even contempt! Here are some examples of negative and even destructive attitudes and communication patterns that can exacerbate conflict in a relationship. How many of these sound like something you’d do?
1. Avoiding Conflict Altogether:
Rather than discussing building frustrations in a calm, respectful manner, some people just don’t say anything to their partner until they’re ready to explode, and then blurt it out in an angry, hurtful way. This seems to be the less stressful route—avoiding an argument altogether—but usually causes more stress to both parties, as tensions rise, resentments fester, and a much bigger argument eventually results. It's much healthier to address and resolve conflict.
2. Being Defensive:
Rather than addressing a partner’s complaints with an objective eye and willingness to understand the other person’s point of view, defensive people steadfastly deny any wrongdoing and work hard to avoid looking at the possibility that they could be contributing to a problem. Denying responsibility..."
http://www.celebratinghumanityinternational.co.uk
Conflict Resolution - Effective Conflict Resolution Techniques
Hi all!
Here are some interesting concepts on interpersonal conflict resolution...
Also have a look at our site for a great eBook on Team Conflict Resolution and tons of great additional conflict management information.
Enjoy,
Brian
Conflict Resolution - Effective Conflict Resolution Techniques: "The Key To Less Relationship Stress? Effective Conflict Resolution Skills!
With most conflicts, it’s important to find a resolution. This seems like a statement of the obvious, but many people suppress their anger or just ‘go along to get along.' They think that by addressing a conflict, they are creating one, and simply keep quiet when upset. Unfortunately, this isn’t a healthy long-term strategy. For one thing, unresolved conflict can lead to resentment and additional unresolved conflict in the relationship. Even more important, ongoing conflict can actually have a negative impact on your health and longevity. (See this piece for more on the detrimental effects of relationship conflict.)
Unfortunately, resolving conflict can be tricky as well.
Handled improperly, attempts at conflict resolution can actually make the conflict worse. For example, ...."
Here are some interesting concepts on interpersonal conflict resolution...
Also have a look at our site for a great eBook on Team Conflict Resolution and tons of great additional conflict management information.
Enjoy,
Brian
Conflict Resolution - Effective Conflict Resolution Techniques: "The Key To Less Relationship Stress? Effective Conflict Resolution Skills!
With most conflicts, it’s important to find a resolution. This seems like a statement of the obvious, but many people suppress their anger or just ‘go along to get along.' They think that by addressing a conflict, they are creating one, and simply keep quiet when upset. Unfortunately, this isn’t a healthy long-term strategy. For one thing, unresolved conflict can lead to resentment and additional unresolved conflict in the relationship. Even more important, ongoing conflict can actually have a negative impact on your health and longevity. (See this piece for more on the detrimental effects of relationship conflict.)
Unfortunately, resolving conflict can be tricky as well.
Handled improperly, attempts at conflict resolution can actually make the conflict worse. For example, ...."
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
The Incredible Relevance of Names and Naming
Team members often do not take the time to learn, or pronounce a colleague's name. This is hugely divisive, as my article will show...
Enjoy,
Brian Moore
The Incredible Relevance of Names and Naming:
"It is amazing how something as simple as a name has the potential for uniting or alienating people. A greater understanding of how and why people are named, and the relevance of names, may assist in improving respect and thereby relationships. Brian Moore, of Mthimkhulu International, co-creator of the Celebrating Humanity program, takes a brief look at this topic.
People from European ancestry generally select names for their children from lists of names, currently popular names, family names or after friends. Often the names of currently famous people are chosen for the new-born, for example soccer supporters may choose David - for David Beckham, and a girl may be called Davidia! Other more 'New Age' families may choose names from nature, such as 'Storm' or 'Sky'. Or, to secure the child's future, names such as 'Peace' or 'Amor....'"
Enjoy,
Brian Moore
The Incredible Relevance of Names and Naming:
"It is amazing how something as simple as a name has the potential for uniting or alienating people. A greater understanding of how and why people are named, and the relevance of names, may assist in improving respect and thereby relationships. Brian Moore, of Mthimkhulu International, co-creator of the Celebrating Humanity program, takes a brief look at this topic.
People from European ancestry generally select names for their children from lists of names, currently popular names, family names or after friends. Often the names of currently famous people are chosen for the new-born, for example soccer supporters may choose David - for David Beckham, and a girl may be called Davidia! Other more 'New Age' families may choose names from nature, such as 'Storm' or 'Sky'. Or, to secure the child's future, names such as 'Peace' or 'Amor....'"
Sunday, June 1, 2008
Talk Straight, Talk Openly with Respect.
The workplace is becoming increasingly diverse, in terms of language, culture, religion, personality styles and communication styles.
It is now more important than ever to remove unclear and unfair communication from our teams.
It is not acceptable to hide behind sarcasm, cleverness and languages - to hide our communication from others. This is normally a way to diminish or belittle others.
If you do any of these things - you may be the cause of team conflict in your work place.
Here is the rule - Talk Straight, Talk Openly, and most importantly Talk with Respect!
Enjoy
Brian
It is now more important than ever to remove unclear and unfair communication from our teams.
It is not acceptable to hide behind sarcasm, cleverness and languages - to hide our communication from others. This is normally a way to diminish or belittle others.
If you do any of these things - you may be the cause of team conflict in your work place.
Here is the rule - Talk Straight, Talk Openly, and most importantly Talk with Respect!
Enjoy
Brian
Conflict at Work - The Hidden Costs of Poorly Managed Organizational Conflict
Here is another work conflict article that outlines some of the challenges in workplace conflict... Enjoy,
Brian
Conflict at Work - The Hidden Costs of Poorly Managed Organizational Conflict: "Conflict in organizations is not a problem. Well managed conflict contributes to creativity, strategic initiative, more effective systems and communication, stronger workplace relationships and greater commitment to the organization. Organizations shouldn’t attempt to prevent conflict, but should instead focus energy on preventing unresolved or destructive conflict.
Left unresolved or escalating destructively, conflict is expensive, both in financial and human terms. Some conflict costs are easily measured, such as legal fees and losses associated with theft and sabotage. Conflict that escalates so far as to damage an organization’s reputation is measurable in terms of lower earnings or diminished market share."
Brian
Conflict at Work - The Hidden Costs of Poorly Managed Organizational Conflict: "Conflict in organizations is not a problem. Well managed conflict contributes to creativity, strategic initiative, more effective systems and communication, stronger workplace relationships and greater commitment to the organization. Organizations shouldn’t attempt to prevent conflict, but should instead focus energy on preventing unresolved or destructive conflict.
Left unresolved or escalating destructively, conflict is expensive, both in financial and human terms. Some conflict costs are easily measured, such as legal fees and losses associated with theft and sabotage. Conflict that escalates so far as to damage an organization’s reputation is measurable in terms of lower earnings or diminished market share."
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