Team leads are at odds over facilitation techniques. How will you navigate this conflict?

1 Assess Needs

Understanding the unique needs of your team is the first step in resolving disagreements over facilitation techniques. Each team has its own dynamics, goals, and challenges that can influence which methods are most effective. Start by gathering input from all team members to identify what has been working and where there may be room for improvement. This will give you a clearer picture of the current situation and help establish common ground between disagreeing team leads.

2 Open Dialogue

Open communication is essential when addressing conflicts between team leads. Encourage an open dialogue where each lead can express their perspective on facilitation techniques without judgment. This conversation should focus on understanding the reasoning behind each approach and how it aligns with team objectives. By fostering an environment of mutual respect and active listening, you can begin to bridge the gap between differing opinions.

3 Combine Approaches

Consider combining elements from each team lead's facilitation techniques to create a hybrid approach. This can often be a practical compromise that allows both parties to feel heard and valued. Look for commonalities in their methods and build upon them, while also acknowledging and integrating their unique contributions. This collaborative effort can lead to innovative solutions that might not have been discovered had there been a singular approach.

4 Trial Period

Implementing a trial period for the proposed facilitation techniques can provide valuable insights into their effectiveness. Agree on a timeframe and criteria for evaluation, then give each technique a fair chance to prove its worth. This experimental phase allows the team to assess the impact of different approaches in a real-world setting, which can be instrumental in making an informed decision about which method to adopt long-term.

5 Evaluate Outcomes

After the trial period, it's crucial to evaluate the outcomes of the different facilitation techniques objectively. Gather feedback from the team on their experiences and measure the results against the predetermined criteria. This evaluation should be data-driven, focusing on the techniques' effectiveness in achieving team goals and improving collaboration. The findings will help guide the final decision on which facilitation method to embrace.

6 Move Forward

Once a decision has been made, it's time to move forward with the chosen facilitation technique. Ensure that all team leads are on board and committed to supporting the selected approach. Provide training if necessary, and continue to monitor the technique's effectiveness over time, making adjustments as needed. Remember that facilitation is an evolving skill, and being adaptable to change is key to successful team dynamics.