Virtual Teams Video Cliff Note #6: Four Types of Virtual Conflicts.

Posted by Susan Victor and Karina Koloch

 

With July 4th celebrations behind us, we are well into summer. For those who are returning from vacations, or about to embark on one, recall that several weeks ago we began a ‘Virtual Teams Video Cliff Notes’ Series to guide managers and staff members in the virtual environment. The series contains ten articles, and features short video clips introduced by Yael Zofi. If you missed the previous five cliff notes, or need a refresher, here are direct links to them:

 

INTRODUCTION
THE AGENT OF CONNECTION
TEAM SETUP
CONTEXT COMMUNICATION
WHEEL OF TRUST™

 

This week we resume the series with Video Cliff Note #6: The Four Types of Virtual Conflicts

 

The potential for misunderstandings in the virtual world is great, where even simple misperceptions can result in conflict situations. Lack of face-to-face interactions create the conditions for conflicts to arise all too frequently, derailing projects. Therefore conflicts – even minor ones – need to be addressed early, to prevent them from spiraling out of control.

 

As a starting point, every virtual team member should understand the types of conflict that may occur. There are four types of conflicts, as follows:

 

Performance Conflict: What Am I Supposed to Do and How Should I Do it?
Identity Conflict: Where Do I Belong?
Data Conflict: What Should I Focus on First?
Social Conflict: Who Are the People on My Team and What Are Their Personalities?

 







 

Chapter 5 (Defusing Conflict and Overcoming Roadblocks) of A Manager’s Guide to Virtual Teams, describes the types, dimensions and levels of conflict. This chapter also contains helpful case studies and virtual mediation techniques. Managers have a great resource in a series of exercises and questions designed as a ‘Virtual Roadmap’ to Productive Conflict Management. This ‘Virtual Roadmap’ is an indispensible tool for managers to use when defusing conflict in their teams.