Two team members are at odds over a non-profit project. How can you help them find common ground?

When two team members clash over a non-profit project, it’s crucial to address the conflict with empathy and open communication. Begin by facilitating a calm and respectful discussion where each member can voice their concerns and perspectives. Encourage active listening to ensure both parties feel heard and understood. Identify common goals and shared values that unite them, focusing on the overarching mission of the project. Propose finding a compromise or blending their ideas to create a solution that incorporates elements from both sides. By fostering a collaborative environment and emphasizing the project's impact, you can help bridge the gap and realign their efforts toward a unified objective.

Meet with each team member separately to listen to their perspectives, concerns, and underlying motivations. Understanding the root causes of the conflict allows you to address them more effectively. Sharing your experiences in conflict resolution can provide valuable insights and help others navigate similar situations.

é comum que em projetos colaborativos surjam divergências de opini?es. Quando isso acontece durante a opera??o, onde a miss?o é ainda mais importante, a resolu??o de conflitos se torna crucial devemos: *Diálogo estratégico: Criar um espa?o seguro para que ambos expressem seus pontos de vista é o primeiro passo. * Escutar ambas as partes: A escuta ativa é essencial para entender as preocupa??es de cada um. * Foco no objetivo comum: Lembrar o propósito do projeto ajuda a realinhar as expectativas e encontrar solu??es que beneficiem a todos. * Media??o: Se necessário, a media??o de um terceiro imparcial pode facilitar o processo de negocia??o e ajudar a encontrar um consenso.

As a NGO leader, this has happened several times. 1. Key reminder : conflict (meaning debate) is the sign of trust and healthy collaboration. Teams where conflict does not exist are teams where people do not trust to speak their mind. 2. If conflict is or becomes interpersonal and hurts team spirit or/and efficiency, I would as a leader A. encourage or B. facilitate a conversation between the team members. Objective = truly listen to understand the other person and where they are coming from. Broader context, feelings involved, unspoken grievances, potential history that led to the blocking situation. They listen, acknowledge each other, find a common ground and agree on a way to move forward.

Create a safe space where they can express their views and listen to each other without judgment. Encourage active listening and empathy, ensuring both parties feel heard and understood. Guiding the conversation towards constructive communication helps lay the groundwork for finding common ground.

Reiterate the project’s overarching goals and how each team member’s contributions are vital to its success. Reinforcing the common objectives can help both parties see the bigger picture and recognize the importance of their collaboration. Aligning individual goals with the team’s objectives fosters a sense of unity and purpose. It's okay for this to be happening!

Set clear responsibilities, timelines, and checkpoints to monitor progress and address any lingering issues. Regular check-ins/1:1s can help maintain the momentum of collaboration and prevent future conflicts. By implementing these strategies, you can help team members find common ground, enhance collaboration, and ensure the success of your non-profit project.