Two important team processes—making decisions and resolving conflict are the focus of this section. Decision-making is at the core of team performance. It is often the very reason for the team’s existence, and the degree to which the team has an effective decision-making process is the degree to which the team is successful. In the first part of this section you will have the chance to examine the team decision-making process from several perspectives.
Additionally, team negotiation and conflict resolution skills are critical. Being an effective team leader or team member requires becoming an effective conflict manager and dispute-resolver. Negotiation and mediation have always been important skills. Getting to and through the performing stage of the team process will depend in large measure on our ability to manage the natural conflicts that arise in any team setting. That’s what the second part of this section is all about.
