Leadership, if negated, can become a huge source of conflict. Teams need to focus on whether someone should lead the team or each member should take on the leadership role for a certain period. Should the team allow multiple leaders or no leaders whatsoever? A situation can arise in which no one in the team can dictate a solution, and negotiation is the only alternative. Team members must agree on negotiations in order to establish a win-win situation by building trust, sharing information, asking questions, etc. (232).
Conflict is instrumental in playing a role in achieving goals. Conflict can be partially beneficial, mutually beneficial, or simply a distraction and detraction from productivity, depending on how both parties involved in the exchange direct the energy involved. As mentioned earlier, if the group is conducted positively, a "win/win" solution can take place (Covey, 207). According to Covey, a "win/win" situation is one in which everyone feels positively about the outcome and feels as though they contributed (207).
For obvious reasons, conflict can cause detrimental outcomes. When the majority does not agree on the final product, negative feelings can erupt (Thompson et al. 239). Group members may try to push ideas and an imbalance of participation and input may result. This imbalance may cause group members to take sides and support an opposite position (239). Often, an idea or product will erupt that the group did not agree or decide on collectively. This friction can prevent further participation when people are not supportive of the group's work. This behavior will cause productivity, satisfaction, and commitment to be minimized (239).