Common Problems in Teams and Their Solutions

• The whiner or complainer- listen to him but not too much, clarify the issues
• The jealous person- avoid destructive conflict, stick to the issues
• The reluctant participant- ask him an open ended question, use a friendly silent stare
• Talkative person- give everyone a chance to speak, tell him that you would like to hear from the rest of the team
• The passive-aggressive individual- don't get involved in his game, move to another individual
• Dominant person- don't be afraid to disagree, make sure that you hear from other team members
• The angry member- acknowledge the anger, don't argue, try to talk to the person later when she is not angry
• The fighting couple- point out that they should continue their discussion later after the meeting
  

Positive Attitudes for Team Members

• Speak your mind and focus on the issues at hand
• Be open and honest
• Be courteous and respectful of others
• Let others contribute, don't dominate the discussion
• Listen carefully and be respectful of other opinions
• Review what is being said from time to time
• Do not agree just for agreeing, there is value in disagreement
• Be responsible and focus on the large picture
• Try not to get too emotional
• Share the responsibility for finding a solution to the problem
• Remember that finding a good solution is more important than winning
• Consider many solutions before deciding on one
• Use humor, don't be afraid to make fun of yourself
• Challenge assumptions and established views, don't be afraid of being different

Some Characteristics of Effective Teams

• Members are loyal to one another but are not afraid of disagreement
• Members trust each other and their leaders
• Members have each other well-being in mind
• Member communicate openly with each other
• The team can make effective decisions
• Members know when to conform and when not to conform
• Members help each other
• Members develop and contribute to each other's development
• Members are confident of each other's abilities

Negotiating a Solution- Basic Principles

• Get emotions under control
• If possible develop a set of ground rules

Listen carefully:

1. Treat each other with respect

2. Don't resort to anger

3. Only one person speaks at a time

4. Don't interrupt each other

5. Concentrate on the issues

• Clarify all positions
• Stay objective
• Don't suddenly become silent
• Explore multiple needs, issues, and solutions
• Look for common ground
• Look for win-win solutions whenever possible