There is something about the word teambuilding that conjures up images of everyone getting along famously and there being great harmony in the ranks. It is of course important that people get on and can rely on one another, yet it is equally important that teams can work through conflict when it arises.

A recent experience where one individual in a newly-formed team was able to articulate his discomfort with a particular situation and discuss his opinions with the rest of the team meant that the situation could be resolved there and then. Had that not been the case the likelihood is that the individual would have left the event with a sour taste in his mouth and certainly not feeling part of a close, supportive team.

Sometimes it requires some coaxing to get someone to open up about what is wrong, and team members might be loathe to voice a different opinion than that of the rest of the team. Force it and work through the differences, it’s worth it.