Two team members clash over work styles. How can you bridge the gap and foster collaboration?

Awareness is a key first step. I found tests like DISC a good starting point to assess work and communication style. Understanding how you tend to work, what you value, and your hot buttons, as well as those of your colleagues will help you avoid potential conflicts. It was quite an eye opener when I first did the test. Helped me understood the actions and behaviour of my colleagues a lot better.

One of the best things you can do to help your team to appreciate each other's differences and how those make you stronger as a team is to have them all do two tests: the Kolbe-A Index Test and the CliftonStrengths Assessment. Both tests are backed by extensive research and use certain indicators to show what you're good at and what that means when it comes to how you perform individually and on a team. Once your people understand the range of difference there can be between individuals, and where their strengths and weaknesses complement one another, they can start to create a strategic approach to their shared goals with those strengths and weaknesses in mind, making sure everyone is given the opportunity to play to their strengths.

Start by understanding the work styles of each team member involved. Identify their preferences, strengths, and areas where they differ. This assessment can help pinpoint specific areas of conflict and potential areas of synergy.

Facilitate open and respectful dialogue between the two team members. Encourage them to discuss their work styles, preferences, and the reasons behind their approaches. This helps build mutual understanding and respect.

Establish clear expectations for collaboration and teamwork. Define common goals and how each team member's contributions align with these goals. Clarify roles and responsibilities to minimize misunderstandings.

Encourage flexibility and adaptability in work styles. Help team members recognize the value in diverse approaches to problem-solving and encourage them to leverage each other's strengths.

Promote teamwork and emphasize the importance of collaboration in achieving team objectives. Encourage the two team members to find common ground and work together towards shared goals.

Regularly check in on their collaboration progress. Provide feedback and support as needed. Celebrate successes and address any emerging issues promptly to maintain positive momentum.

Resolver esse tipo de conflito dentro da equipe requer paciência, empatia e uma abordagem estruturada. É necessários buscar compreender as diferenças, promover uma comunicação aberta e criar um ambiente de trabalho flexível. É importante entender que o opiniões divergentes podem ser transformadas em ótimas oportunidades para fortalecer a equipe e alcançar melhores resultados.

Conflict Resolution Skills - Provide training or resources on conflict resolution techniques to equip team members with the skills to handle disagreements constructively. Team Building Activities - Consider team-building activities or workshops that focus on improving communication and understanding among team members. Leadership Support - Ensure leadership support and involvement in resolving conflicts and fostering a collaborative team culture.

Eu facilitei uma sessão de mediação. Durante essa sessão, encorajei ambos a compartilharem seus estilos de trabalho, pontos fortes e desafios percebidos. Utilizei exercícios de empatia para ajudá-los a entenderem melhor as perspectivas um do outro. Em seguida, incentivamos a identificação de pontos comuns e áreas onde poderiam complementar um ao outro. Estabelecemos acordos claros sobre como poderiam ajustar seus estilos para melhor colaboração, garantindo que ambos se sentissem ouvidos e valorizados no processo.