Examine the cultural dynamics within your unit, and the pervasive types of conflict that arise from them.

Engage your team in "out of the box" creative thinking activities: Bring a bag of diverse household objects to a team meeting and have each person pick from the bag and brainstorm other uses for it.

Engage in conversation with everyone. Ask a few questions and listen intently. Share something about yourself.

Engage in a a dialog with a staff member who is very resistant to applying a new skill required for their job. Collaborate to brainstorm ways to resolve the situation (e.g., peer coach).

Encourage others in a meeting or gathering to reserve judgment until everyone who wants to speak, does so.

Encourage faculty or staff to present new knowledge that they learned in a class, via a stretch assignment, or in a coaching session with their team of colleagues.

Encourage everyone in your group to offer their viewpoints during a meeting.

Encourage collaboration. Clearly define objectives and goals to your team and facilitate brainstorming and discussion to meet those goals. Offer support.

Empower direct reports to suggest ways to improve processes and give them credit if you decide to use their idea.

Draft meeting agendas with priorities and time allotments.