You're managing a team with conflicting members. How do you navigate when both refuse to budge?

This is the key to figuring out the problem. You have to understand the 5 Ws (who, what, why, where and when) in order to effectively figuring out a solution. Listen to what the team members are telling you and then find a solution that works.

To manage conflict within our team, we need to start by understanding the root causes of the disagreement. For example, imagine two team members, Anjali and Raj, arguing over the project's direction. Anjali wants to focus on marketing, while Raj emphasizes product development. Instead of choosing sides, we listen to both. Anjali feels marketing will boost sales, and Raj believes a better product will attract customers. By understanding their motivations, we acknowledge their concerns and foster trust. This trust sets the stage for finding a balanced solution that incorporates both perspectives, ensuring the project's success and maintaining team harmony.

Para entender as causas dos desacordos entre os membros conflitantes, observe suas interações e comportamentos, atentando para sinais de tensão. Converse individualmente com cada um, oferecendo um espaço seguro para expressarem suas perspectivas e preocupações. Busque compreender suas motivações, valores e estilos de trabalho, considerando possíveis diferenças culturais, de personalidade ou de abordagem. Analise a distribuição de tarefas, recursos e responsabilidades, verificando desequilíbrios que possam gerar ressentimentos. Ao reunir essas informações, você poderá identificar os fatores subjacentes aos conflitos e desenvolver estratégias eficazes para resolvê-los, promovendo um ambiente de trabalho mais harmonioso e produtivo.

J'identifie dans un premier temps la source de conflit, j'explore des voies de résolutions du différends, je les expose aux membres, nous adoptons ensemble des résolutions et je prends des décisions visant à l'application stricte des résolutions prises ensemble.

Once you've grasped the core issues, facilitate a dialogue between the conflicting parties. Encourage open communication by setting ground rules that promote respect and prevent personal attacks. Your role is to be a neutral mediator, helping each side articulate their views while ensuring the other party listens. For example, Anjali and Raj can each take turns explaining their perspectives without interruptions. This process helps them see the situation from a different angle and fosters empathy. By facilitating this respectful exchange, you can guide them towards finding common ground and working together to achieve the project's goals.

Após entender as causas dos desacordos, reúna os membros envolvidos para uma discussão aberta e honesta. Ajude-os a identificar objetivos e interesses compartilhados, enfatizando a importância da colaboração. Estimule-os a propor soluções mutuamente benéficas e a fazer concessões quando necessário. Defina expectativas claras de comportamento e comunicação, estabelecendo acordos sobre como trabalharão juntos de maneira respeitosa e produtiva. Adote uma postura proativa e empática, lembrando que a resolução de conflitos é um processo contínuo que exige paciência e persistência.

Para resolver ou conter o conflito entre os membros da equipe, promova um ambiente seguro e neutro onde cada indivíduo possa expressar abertamente suas perspectivas e preocupações, sem medo de julgamento. Ouça ativamente e valide as emoções de todos, buscando compreender as raízes do conflito. Incentive os membros a propor soluções criativas que considerem as necessidades e interesses de todas as partes. Explore opções como redistribuição de tarefas, otimização de processos e melhoria da comunicação. Considere oferecer treinamentos e recursos para aprimorar as habilidades de resolução de conflitos e colaboração. Esteja disposto a fazer concessões e ajustes nas soluções propostas, buscando um equilíbrio aceitável para todos.

With the dialogue ongoing, it's time to explore alternative solutions. Present options that neither party may have considered, and guide them in weighing the pros and cons of each. For example, suggest a phased approach where the team initially focuses on Raj’s product development plan, followed by Anjali’s marketing strategy. Encourage creativity and compromise, reminding them that the team's success is the ultimate goal. This can often lead to a breakthrough as team members realize the situation isn’t black and white, and multiple paths can lead to a satisfactory resolution. By exploring these alternatives, you foster collaboration and innovation.

If dialogue and exploring alternatives don’t yield a compromise, it may be necessary for you to make a decision. Carefully consider all input received and explain why this particular course of action is being taken. For instance, if Anjali and Raj can't agree, you might decide to initially prioritize product development based on current market needs, followed by a marketing push. Ensure team members understand that while their opinions are valued, the team must move forward in a unified direction. Emphasize that sometimes management has to make difficult decisions to keep the project on track and achieve overall success.

After a decision has been made, focus on implementing changes smoothly. Clearly communicate new policies or procedures and ensure all team members understand their roles moving forward. For example, if you’ve decided to prioritize product development first, outline the specific tasks and timelines for this phase. Monitor the impact of these changes and remain open to feedback. Regular check-ins can help address any concerns and adjust the plan as needed. A successful implementation can often heal lingering tensions by showing that the end result benefits the entire team, reinforcing the importance of collaboration and unified effort towards common goals.

Finally, work on maintaining harmony within the team by fostering an inclusive culture and addressing any residual or future conflicts promptly. Recognize and celebrate the team's diversity of thought as a strength, encouraging open communication and mutual respect. Regular check-ins and team-building activities can help prevent conflicts from escalating and keep the team functioning effectively. For instance, monthly meetings to discuss progress and address concerns, as well as occasional team outings or collaborative workshops, can strengthen bonds. By continuously nurturing a positive and inclusive environment, you ensure that the team remains cohesive and productive, ready to tackle any challenges together.