If you’re managing a team and your players aren’t getting along, it could lead to a conflict among them. These occurrences are natural and a part of any team dynamic. As a coach, you can take the right steps in ensuring that when they do occur, there are systems in place to resolve them.
Here’s how you can resolve a conflict between players:
- Start with a discussion about the resolution
Teams must always have conversations about conflicts so it becomes easier to navigate them. It’s important to have that conversation, especially at the beginning because it is a typical part of any team. It can help teams grow and it isn’t something to be afraid of.
Holding a team meeting early on in the year can be a great way to do so and this will help them understand how to resolve conflicts between themselves too.
- Set standards
Most of the team conflicts can occur when athletes feel a bit of resent for things such as not being named in the starting line-up. By setting clear standards, athletes get better clarity and can work on their game.
It’s important to use descriptive words such as “don’t exclude someone” for an action or behavior, so they don’t feel isolated and act out.
- Recognize it early
It’s important that you understand what conflict looks like and identify it early. Most non-verbal signs include people rolling their eyes, not showing up for practice and other unfriendly behavior.
Make sure you catch it early and nip it in the bud, because the faster you do that, the easier it is to resolve.