Being more self-aware about the different group types can help the group overcome such obstacles ("Information about personality types," 2006, BSM Consulting). What are types of conflict management tools?

First of all, when discussing a dispute, choose a neutral, private environment. Allow everyone to express their point-of-view, as they see it. Clarify before discussing the issue at stake. Agree on what the difference is. Explore potential alternatives and compromises. Focus on similarities as well as differences. Make issues, not personality the focus. Have a clear idea of what concrete, definable, and achievable outcomes should result from the discussion. Put in controls to implement those decisions (Heathfield 2008).

Having a mediator can make conflict resolution easier. Also, having certain standard operating procedures to deal with a conflict, like talking to the group leader before confronting the individual, can help keep conflict in check.

What are the important factors for a team to consider when it is beginning its work?

Aligning the skills of the team with moving to a general group goal, defining the team's goal and mission, establishing roles and responsibilities, setting a timetable, setting how the group will arrive at decisions are all important. The group should be able to define its general purpose, as well as specific, short-term goals. There should also be procedures for meetings, as well as making big decisions.

A group with diverse skills may need to be broken down into smaller units, so that different members can address areas of the project on which they have expertise. Ice-breaking activities will break down emotional and communication barriers, and also give group members an idea of what team members they are likely to work well with, or the people from whom they differ because of conflicting decision-making styles. One good ice-breaker is to have group members talk about their past group experiences, and what they thought was valuable about working as a team, and how they would like to use this information in the current group to make it more effective.
Works Cited

Chapman, Allan. (2008). "Tuckman: Forming-storming-norming-performing."

Businessballs. Retrieved 28 Apr 2008 at http://www.businessballs.com/tuckmanformingstormingnormingperforming.htm

Chapman, Allan. (2008). "Motivational theory." Businessballs. Retrieved 28 Apr 2008 at http://www.businessballs.com/motivation.htm

Heathfield, Susan. (2008). "Personal courage and conflict resolution at work." About.com. Retrieved 28 Apr 2008 at http://humanresources.about.com/cs/conflictresolves/a/conflictcourage_2.htm

Information about personality types." (2006) BSM Consulting. Retrieved 28 Apr 2008 at http://www.personalitypage.com/info.html