It’s tempting to escalate conflicts to the boss. Can’t agree on how to prioritize projects or on which deadlines need to shift? Ask the team leader to step in and make the call. But it’s better for everyone — you, your teammates, and your boss — if you can solve issues without always involving the higher-ups. Treat conflict not as an annoyance that leads to anxiety and alienation but as an opportunity for growth. Ask everyone on your team to commit to discussing any differences openly — and then model the right behavior. Calmly share your ideas with the group, even when they clash with a coworker’s, and refuse to point fingers when a disagreement arises.
Adapted from "How Self-Managed Teams Can Resolve Conflict," by Amit Maimon
