Team Mediation
Conflict has no limit – that’s why we have team mediation, team facilitation and team coaching services.
When conflict arises in the workplace, it rarely impacts only two individuals. Very often, the dispute will spread, having an impact on a wider group, the whole department, and perhaps beyond. We have a pool of expert mediators who are experienced in handling a full variety of conflicts within teams.
Any team can be impacted by conflict at any time. In fact, conflict in a team is a healthy sign that the team is beginning to move into a high performing state. However, sometimes, conflict can spill over into division and dysfunction. The conflict can knock a previously high functioning team off course. It is precisely at these times that external, professional support can help to get the team back on track.
The benefits
Not only does the team mediation process resolve the identified problem, it may also uncover issues that are hidden under the surface. By creating an open and safe environment, your employees can air their issues and build resilience to make them less vulnerable to future issues.
Other commonly reported benefits from an effective team mediation process include:
- It can prevent conflict from escalating to the stages where it becomes most destructive, damaging and dysfunctional
- It helps to alleviate stress and anxiety, which are common reactions to workplace conflict
- It protects the reputation of the team and your organization
- It creates a more harmonious and enjoyable team working environment
“It sticks in my mind because the colleague came out smiling. They told me ‘I’m so happy to have finally had a chance to talk. I’ve been waiting for so long to be heard.’ It made all the work seem worth it. This whole process has reminded our team members to put the human side back into their relationships. We should always be putting our employees first, they are what makes our business.”
“TCM certainly met our requirements and listened to our feedback to change the initial facilitator proposed to a more compatible match which represents excellent client service. It was great working with Aideen, she was very aligned to our Plan values and took the time to understand our needs and was open to suggestions for the format of the workshop and she also asked about the participants and their specific areas of interest so she had more of an idea of her audience before she met them. On the day she facilitated the session well and put everyone at ease and created an informal space that encouraged discussion and dialogue. She ensured everyone’s voices were heard and she did a good job of assimilating all of the various ideas into a visual representation of the process map which was really helpful as there were lots of suggestions from those in the room. She has also been very patient as the internal processes have delayed the next steps on this piece of work. We would definitely use TCM again and recommend to others (and have already started to do that).”
Team mediation
Making conflict collaborative
TCM mediators resolve complex team and group conflicts. Team mediation draws together all members of a team to enable them to reach a new consensus. The mediators will work with you to prepare fully and agree the terms of reference before meeting all parties individually.
On the mediation day, we create a safe space where the whole team can come together for a day to talk about what is affecting them individually and collectively. We help the team re-connect to the organisation’s values and work together towards a mutually acceptable resolution. We help the team to develop co-operative and productive working practices that will serve them well for the future.
The team mediation day is carefully structured to ensure that all team members can participate fully. The aims of the mediation day may include:
- To discuss and explore the nature and impact of the conflict and the dynamics of the team relationships.
- To consider team members conflict management styles and preferences.
- To draw out learning and insights from the past which will inform future working practices and relationships.
- To engage all parties in a process of inclusive discussion and decision making.
At TCM, we have a strong commitment to providing after-care for our clients, which means that we don’t just walk away when the team mediation is complete. Where appropriate, we work with the HR team and other relevant stakeholders to look at what learning has come out of the exercise for the organization. We’re also on the end of the phone for the following 12 months to provide any additional advice that may be needed and to help ensure the team stays on track.
Team facilitation
Building behaviors to repair relationships
Team facilitation is used within new and existing teams to develop the team structure, vision, values, culture, behaviors and relationships which put it on track for continued and greater success in the future.
The team facilitation process is like team mediation, however, unlike team mediation, there is not a discernible conflict at the offset. The TCM facilitator’s role is to undertake a deep dive into the team and to help the team to identify a series of shared solutions to any challenges which the team members identify. These may include poor communication, hidden agendas, unclear roles or goals and ambiguous reporting lines.
Team facilitation is about securing shared meaning within a team and agreeing a set of agreed goals and objectives which are aligned to the overall corporate strategy. Team facilitation delivers increased levels of motivation, improved synergy and enhanced levels of collaborative working across the team.
Team facilitation works particularly well pre- or post-merger or acquisition (M&A) to support the development of a new culture and the sometimes-difficult period of transitioning to a new way of working.
Download our Team Facilitation Services Brochure
Team coaching
Moving from good to great
TCM’s team coaching services are suitable for teams who want to exceed expectations. Our team coaches offer a unique blend of knowledge and experience gained from a wide variety of roles including senior leadership, organizational design, psychology, human resources, learning and development and negotiation.
Each team coaching assignment is individually tailored to ensure that the teams unique needs, characteristics and objectives are met.
The benefits of TCM’s team coaching include:
- Move a team from good to great at pace.
- Create an environment where team members can bring the very best of themselves to the workplace.
- Unlock the synergies and benefits that come from working within a diverse team.
Team coaching requires commitment from the employer and the team members. It is often fast paced and requires work to be done outside of coaching sessions. Whilst most sessions are run as a team, the TCM coaches may also spend time on a one-to-one basis with team members.
