ABSTRACT
Supporting team decision making involves bridging differences of opinion and interests, which implies dealing with conflict. Engaging with conflict in a productive manner is crucial for effective team decision making. Productive conflict management is encouraging cognitive conflict (up to a certain level) while keeping affective conflict in check. One way in which conflict can turn unproductive is when multiple viewpoints are brought to the table but never integrated. Discussions then remain unfinished, and the same topic can reappear in discussions time and time again. Another way in which conflict can become unproductive is when conflicts on the task at hand turn personal. The facilitator can help team members to engage in adequate levels of cognitive conflict, so that the team is able to bring all the relevant information to the table. Effective decision making not only is about information but also encourages team members to engage with the process and develop commitment to solutions. Aligning personal goals and working with emotions are therefore at the heart of successful team decisions. This chapter describes facilitator actions that help to manage affective (interpersonal) conflict and emotional dynamics.
