Team Mediation & Conflict Resolution

Time to hang up the boxing gloves?

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 organisation as a whole. 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.

*In some cases, we may identify specific points of conflict between two or three individuals. In these cases, we are able to offer workplace mediation as required outside of the whole team approach.

A shared vision, goals and objectives.

Team facilitation is used within new and existing teams to develop the team structure, vision, values, culture, behaviours and relationships which put it on track for continued and greater success in the future.

The team facilitation process is similar to team mediation, however, unlike team mediation, there is not a discernible conflict at the offset. The TCM facilitators 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.

Unlocking the potential within a team

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,  organisational 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.

Q:  Issues within the team have reached crisis point.  How quickly can you help?

A: We will have allocated the mediator, facilitator or coach within 24 hours of receipt of a formal request. It will take approximately five to ten days before we are onsite and meeting all parties. The entire process will last for 3-5 days depending on the size of the team

Q:  What if some of the team members don’t want to get involved in mediation?

A: It is a reasonable request of an employee that they meet with us in a private meeting. We can explain what the process is and how it works. Usually by being open, empathetic and realistic, parties will choose to engage in the main team day. If they decide not to, it is then up to you what, if any, action you will take.

Q:  How do we make sure people stick to what’s been agreed?

A: The final agreement is created by the team themselves based on their shared needs, goals, hopes and expectations. In that sense, it is their own agreement rather than one that is imposed on them. They hold themselves and each other to account. We maintain contact with the team for 12 months and we check in regularly to see how the situation is proceeding.

Q:  How much does it cost?

A:  Our team mediation, facilitation and coaching services are tailor-made to fit your needs.  Contact us for a no-obligation discussion about your specific circumstances.