Conflict can be handled many ways. Here are six possible approaches a producer can take to minimize conflict.

Action
 
  • Make cooperation a priority. Devote resources to relationship-building activities (e.g., time, money, personnel).
  • Track performance. Identify potential problems early. Reward good performers. Help struggling performers.
  • Communicate! Build relationships through open and honest talk. If you're in a leadership position, listen!
  • Establish a pricing strategy. Money discrepancies are the fastest way to divide team members.
  • Address conflicts swiftly. Conflicts won't go away on their own, and small conflicts can become big problems overnight.
  • Drive revenue through the channel. Channel members must focus on building their own customer base, not marketing an individual product. If team members focus on their own revenue as well as the revenue of others, a cooperative spirit will result.