Even the strongest teams face challenges. Conflicts arise, communication breakdowns, temporary stagnation or disruption from team changes. You may opt to bring in outside experts—a coach or mediator—to address these issues. Choosing the right approach depends on the situation.
First, let's define some of what goes into "coaching" and what goes into "mediation"
Team Coach:
Focuses on long-term development and growth
Helps with performance improvement, communication, trust-building, and strategic thinking
Ideal for issues like new team formation, restructuring, or plateaued performance
Coaches enhance collaboration and foster psychological safety over time
Mediator:
Specializes in short-term conflict resolution
De-escalates disputes, restores communication, and finds common ground
Suitable for escalated conflicts, breakdowns in trust, or project-related stalemates
Mediators focus on resolving immediate issues and restoring harmony
Nature of the Challenge:
Conflicts and communication breakdowns suggest a need for a mediator
Frustration or stagnation calls for a coach to enhance collaboration and clarity
Severity of Conflict:
Low-level tension can benefit from coaching
High-level conflicts that disrupt functionality require mediation
Duration of the Issue:
Short-term disputes (specific events or disagreements) call for mediation
Ongoing dynamics (recurring patterns like mistrust or poor collaboration) need coaching
Team Goals:
If the team needs immediate resolution, bring in a mediator
For
long-term growth, opt for a coach
In some cases, teams may benefit from a hybrid approach. A mediator who resolves acute conflict, which can either be inclusive of or followed up by a coaching plan, created to support ongoing development and performance improvement. In some cases, it can make sense to separate these entities and others a smooth transition from one step to the next can prove beneficial.
Admitting your team needs outside help is not admitting defeat! In fact, it's quite the opposite. It is a sign of strength and positive leadership when you can raise a flag and say 'Hey! We need a hand here!'
Ready to take your organization to the next level, or perhaps you're looking to take YOURSELF to the next level? Book a free 30 minute consultation and let's get started.
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