Falling over ourselves to follow the leader: conceptualizing connections between transformational leader behaviors and dysfunctional team conflict.

1963, ch. 5).

Manage expectations by clearly explaining to

the group what to expect, thereby reducing anger

stemming from unpleasant surprises.

Reduce the likelihood of misattribution by

bringing group members' attention to their

physical level of arousal and attributing it to

the process. Making group members aware that it

is normal to experience a sense of frustration

and physical arousal will likely reduce anger.

Use humor to reduce negative emotions and to

discharge a potentially tense situation (R. A.

Baron, 1988; Eisenhardt, 1997, 1999).

Encourage debate based on facts

(Eisenhardt, 1997). Behavioral Make group members aware that anger tends to

Manifestation lead to aggression, and encourage them to monitor

their emotions.

Encourage group members to control themselves

from channeling their angry feelings and impulses

into action (Ury, 1991) and from attacking others

at a personal level (Infante, 1989).

Identify specific inappropriate behaviors as

they occur and point them out as unproductive

(Lewicki & Hiam, 1998).

Encourage group members to take a breather if

they feel angry and to not respond to other's

comments or actions out of anger (Maier, 1963;

Ury, 1991). Reciprocation Point out that aggressive behavior is

unproductive (Brett, Shapiro, & Lytle, 1998;

Lewicki & Hiam, 1998) and use negative feedback

to discourage reciprocation of aggression

(Fisher et al., 1991; Lewicki, Litterer, Minton,

& Saunders, 1994; Ury, 1991).

Remind group members of the superordinate

goal(s) (Eisenhardt, 1999; Tjosvold, 1993), point

out the common group membership and mutual

dependence (Pruitt & Rubin, 1986), and clarify

noncompetitive intentions of group members

(Thomas & Pondy, 1977).

Call for time out and provide a cooling off

opportunity if things begin to get out of hand

(Maier, 1963; Murnighan & Conlon, 1991; Ury,

1991).

Encourage group members to apologize to others

if their actions seemed to have caused anger

(Fisher et al., 1991; Ury, 1991).