In resolving a team member conflict, what step should follow a private discussion and identify underlying issues?

• A. Escalate to HR without discussion.
• B. Document outcomes and set expectations.
• C. Publicly reprimand both members.
• D. Reassign duties and monitor.

Answer: (B)

After a private discussion that uncovers what's driving the conflict, the next step is to document the outcomes and set clear expectations. Writing down what was agreed creates a concrete record of commitments, behavior standards, and deadlines. It helps both team members understand what’s expected, reduces ambiguity, and provides a basis for follow-up to determine whether the issues are resolved. This step also signals accountability and fairness, which are essential for effective conflict resolution and ongoing teamwork.

Escalating to HR without discussion bypasses the important understanding gained in the private conversation. Publicly reprimanding both members undermines trust and morale. Simply reassigning duties and monitoring may be helpful, but without documenting outcomes and expectations, there’s no formal accountability or shared understanding of what must change.