Discuss the conflict situation in terms of the principles outlined in this chapter. Some possible discussion questions are outlined as follows: 

a) What type of conflict occurred? Task, process, relationship, status, or some combination? 

b) What was the root cause of the conflict? Was it driven by differences in personality, areas of expertise, culture, etc.? 

c) How was the conflict expressed in terms of oppositional intensity and directness? If indirect and/or with high intensity, why? How did this impact the emotionality of the conflict and the information that was gained? How did this influence the team’s ability to understand and manage the conflict? 

d) Did the conflict escalate over time? Did it transform from one type to another? At what point did the team begin to address the conflict? What impact did that have on your ability to manage the conflict? 

e) Was everyone in the team equally comfortable in dealing with the conflict? If no, how did you deal with people’s differing comfort levels? 

f) What approach did the team use in managing the conflict? Was it an appropriate approach? Were there alternative ways for doing so? 

g) Was the situation ripe for collaboration? 

(i) Was there a focus on teamwork? Did team members feel prepared to manage the conflict that arose? Did team members trust and respect one another? Were the conflict communication norms open? 

(ii) Describe the motives of team members. What were the team members’ primary motivations regarding cooperation? Were members epistemically motivated? 

h) Did the conflict help or hinder the team’s performance? Why and how?

i) What role did you play in the conflict? Did you help or hinder its resolution? What were your strengths in handling the situation? What could you do to improve your ability to collaborate through conflict situations?