A group can only be called a team if the members are actively working together toward a common goal. A team must have the ability to set goals, make decisions, solve problems and share responsibilities. For a team to be successful, trust must be earned among its members by being consistent and reliable (Temme & Katzel, 2005). When multiple people work on a particular task, inconsistent views or opinions usually arise. People come from different backgrounds and have different life experiences. Therefore, even when working toward a common goal, they do not always agree. Unaddressed major conflict can devastate a team or organization (Make Conflict Work, 2008). In some situations, conflict can be more constructive than destructive. It is important to recognize the difference between conflict that is constructive to the team and conflict that is destructive to the team. Trying to prevent conflict is not always the best way to manage conflict when working in a team. Understanding conflict, its causes and how to resolve it effectively must require complete concentration. Understanding Conflict Before you understand how to manage conflict, you need to understand what conflict is. Conflict can be defined as “any situation in which incompatible goals, cognitions, or emotions within or between individuals or groups lead to opposition or antagonistic interaction” (Learning Team Toolkit, 2004, pp 242-243 ). Should the idea of ​​conflict always have a negative connotation? The growth and development of society would be much slower if individuals never questioned each other's ideas. The Learning Team Toolkit addresses three different perspectives on conflict: traditional...... middle of paper ......s, parents and teachers partner to work on Conflict Resolution Skills: [FINAL Edition]. Seattle Times, p. B4. Retrieved March 21, 2015, from ProQuest Central database. (Document ID: 49058162).Make conflicts work. (May 24, 2008). Winnipeg Free Press, G.1. Retrieved March 14, 2015, from ProQuest Central database. (Document ID: 1485216051). Peden, T. (June 26). Leadership Lessons: New curriculum teaches students life skills. McClatchy - Tribune Business News. Retrieved March 14, 2015, from Business Dateline database. (Document ID: 1500668231). Temme, J. and Katzel, J. (2005). Calling a team a team doesn't mean it is: successful teamwork should be a way of life. Plant Engineering, 49(1), 112-114.University of Phoenix. (2004). Learning Team Toolkit. Available on the University of Phoenix student/faculty website: http://ecampus.phoenix.edu (March 14, 2015).