Recognize the presence of the conflict and openly acknowledge its impact. Engage in active listening to understand the different viewpoints behind the dismissal of expertise. Highlight the value and relevance of the expertise that is being dismissed. If the internal dialogue becomes unproductive, consider seeking support from a neutral party, such as a supervisor or facilitator. Establish clear expectations for respecting and valuing all team members' expertise. Remind the team of their shared goals and the importance of working together to achieve them. Identify any areas where team members may lack the necessary expertise. Encourage them to participate in training or professional development opportunities to enhance their knowledge

There is a serious red flag when someone dismisses expertise in your team, and it cannot be ignored. Tolerating it breeds arrogance and undermines the very foundation of collaboration. Confront it directly. Call out the behavior in real time. Make it clear that expertise is non-negotiable and that no one’s knowledge is above the team. Ideally there is a clear team canvas / alliance / way of working discussed during a team kick-off meeting. And if they can't respect the value others bring, they're not a fit for the team. Period.

Mantener un enfoque colaborativo y respetuoso ayudará a resolver este desafío sin generar tensiones innecesarias. Recalca que, en un equipo, todos los puntos de vista y experiencias deben ser respetados y valorados. Aclara que desestimar a otros puede afectar negativamente la dinámica de trabajo y los resultados.

Address privately: Speak one-on-one to understand their perspective Highlight team strengths: Reinforce the value of collective expertise Encourage respect: Set clear expectations for collaborative behavior Foster open dialogue: Create space for constructive conversations about differing views Provide examples: Show how expertise benefits the project’s success Monitor behavior: Ensure the issue is resolved and the team dynamic improves Promote respect, unity, and team collaboration!

1. Initiate F2F conversation My goal would be to understand why they are disregarding the expertise of the group and to uncover any frustrations or misunderstandings that might be driving their behavior. Then I would explain how each team member’s expertise contributes to our collective success. I would clarify that respecting the knowledge and skills of others is essential for effective collaboration. Last but not least I would give feedback on how dismissing expertise impacts the group dynamic. 2. Initiate a team coaching process I would promote an open environment where all team members feel comfortable sharing their ideas. By fostering a culture of mutual respect, we can prevent future instances where expertise might be overlooked.