Conflict is inevitable in group situations, but University of Michigan Head Coach Mark Rosen elaborates on how to mediate the different levels of conflict to create a healthy dynamic. The first conflict he touches on is between two coaches; for Rosen, that conflict can be productive when opinions can be respectfully shared, talked about and challenged. The second conflict is between the coach and the player. Rosen’s tactic in approaching player-coach conflict is being brutally honest with the player and sticking to the program philosophy. Though that conflict will not always be resolved, the transparency provided can quell any ill feelings. The third potential conflict is between the coach and the parent. Rosen requires that the player be present when meeting with a parent to prevent any hearsay or muddled information. Lastly, Rosen says player to player conflict is highly dependent on the team’s leadership. If a team has strong leadership, many of the player conflicts can be resolved without outside intervention. If the conflict is more pressing, Rosen says the coaching staff will facilitate communication and problem-solving techniques. Keeping the team’s goals—not the individual’s goals—at the forefront of the picture is key in resolving conflicts.