This document discusses conflict in agile teams. It begins by acknowledging that conflict is inevitable in teams and outlines some common causes of conflict such as competitive goals, misunderstandings, and lack of focus. It then discusses how to transform conflict into constructive disagreement and asks questions to help teams better understand problems and perspectives. The document provides objectives to help teams understand perceptions of conflict, consider different perspectives, learn conflict handling techniques, and build trust. It includes discussion questions and activities for teams to discuss their views and experiences with conflict.

1. Conflict in
Agile Teams
Sydney Agile &Scrum User Group
@JemBen
&
@FrankLetsBe

2. Community

4. Venue

5. Conferences

7. Encore !
Sydney 2 October
http://www.agileencore.com/
http://www.scrum.com.au/2014/

9. Your Story:
- Where were you when you RSVP?
!
- Who did you think about when you pressed
“Yes”?
!
What brought you here?

10. “At the very least, can we just have minimal respect for everyone here?”
“Well, what if not everybody on this team is worthy of respect?”
http://shop.oreilly.com/product/9780596518028.do

11. “Conflict is
inevitable !”

12. Acknowledging the Agile Context
People interaction over process and tools
Working software over comprehensive documentation
Customer collaboration over contract negotiation
Reacting to change over following a plan
http://agilemanifesto.org/

13. Agile 2014 - InfoQ - Second Keynote -
Best Job Ever
http://www.infoq.com/news/2014/08/agile2014-keynote-best-job

14. Influential factors for
interpersonal relationship and
collaboration…

15. Common Causes of Team Conflict
Competitive Goals
Lack of Focus
Misunderstanding of job / requirements
Interdependence Feedback mechanism
Conflict of interest
Disagreement about execution
Blame Culture Strategy
Performance appraisal mechanism
Fear of Failure Seeking recognition
http://www.infoq.com/research/dealing-with-team-conflicts

16. Cost of Conflict !
What is the cost of delaying the conflict discussion?

17. Transforming conflict into
constructive disagreement
- Ignore
- Win / Lose
- Lose / Win
- Lose / Lose
- Win / Win

18. What is the problem ?
Do we agree?

19. Do we have the same perspective?
Do we agree?

20. Do we have the same understanding
on how to solve it?
Do we agree?

21. understand our perception of conflict
consider a different perspective on conflict
learn techniques to better handle conflict
build trust
How do you see it ?
the Conflict—How Do You See It?
provided) for each participant, pens
minutes
Procedure
can provide the spark that
leads to better solutions, creativ-ity,
collaboration. This activity helps team members to: (1) become
comfortable with conflict, (2) consider the positive aspects of con-flict,
(3) understand the possible benefits to themselves and the team.
participants pair up. Provide each person with a copy of the hand-out.
Allow 10 to 15 minutes for partners to interview each other. Follow
group discussion of the interviews and then go over the discussion
questions.
- Exercise as a Game -
http://www.amazon.com/Book-Conflict-Resolution-Games-Communication/dp/0071742247

22. OBJECTIVES
• To understand our perception of conflict
• To consider a different perspective on conflict
• To share &learn techniques to better handle conflict
• To build trust

23. Exchange time

24. 1. How do you define conflict?
!
!
2. What is your typical response to conflict?
!
!
3. What is your greatest strength when dealing with
conflict?
4.

25. 4. If you could change one thing about the way you handle
conflict, what would it be? Why?
!
!
5. What is the most important outcome of conflict?
!
!
6. In what ways have you seen your team benefit from
conflict?

26. 7. How can conflict be detrimental to a team?
!
!
8. What do you do when someone avoids conflict with you?
!
!
9. What are some reasons you choose to avoid conflict?
!
!
10. What can you do to promote a healthy attitude toward
conflict within your team?

27. Discussion time

28. Were your partner’s perspective different from
yours?
- Debriefing questions -

29. What were some things you learned by
considering another’s perspective?
- Debriefing questions -

30. Does discussing conflict like this make it “ less
scary” ?
- Debriefing questions -

31. Is conflict good or bad ?
- Debriefing questions -

32. What are some ways in which conflict is
detrimental to the team ?
- Debriefing questions -

33. What are some ways in which conflict enriches
the team?
- Debriefing questions -

34. Which level of conflict are you facing ?
http://mikecohnsignatureseries.com/books/coaching-agile-teams

35. The Five Dysfunctions of a Team
- Patrick Lencioni
http://www.tablegroup.com/books/dysfunctions

36. “Embrace the idea that conflict CAN be
positive”
The intension shapes the outcome

37. Working out the collaboration Muscle !