To mediate conflict between a senior team member and a junior colleague, start by meeting them individually to understand their perspectives without judgment. Then, bring them together in a neutral setting to discuss the issue constructively. Set ground rules for respectful communication and focus on the problem, not personal differences. Encourage active listening and mutual understanding, helping them identify common goals. Propose solutions that balance their concerns and align with team objectives. Reinforce the value of collaboration and emphasize their roles in fostering a positive work environment. Follow up to ensure the resolution is effective and relationships remain professional.

In this situation the members of the team need to come together to help bring the pair together. Conflicts can surface due to minor or major issues, sometimes consciously or unconsciously. Speak to both parties and let them know their value within the team and the effect of the conflict on the other members. Give them the chance to talk about what triggered the conflict and its impact on their well being. Use the organisation's processes or the team's acceptable behaviours to mediate. Avoid taking sides, it is important to find a way forward to prevent future conflicts.

it is critical to ground the conversation in the shared purpose and values alignment that the teammates inherently share. without grounding the conversation in the why of their partnership, it’s easy to misconstrue the mission. from there, we hold each other accountable to being in alignment with that why. the challenges you resolve are often simple and clear to manage when you recenter yourselves in the purpose of the partnership.