What do you do if creative minds clash in the workplace?

If creative people clash at work, it's important to talk things out calmly and listen to each other. Remember, everyone has different ideas and perspectives. Try to find common goals and ways to work together. Be open to compromising and being flexible. If needed, get someone neutral to help sort things out. Make sure everyone knows their role and how they fit into the team. Encourage teamwork and celebrate the fact that everyone brings something unique to the table. With patience and understanding, conflicts can be resolved, and the team can focus on being creative together.

When creatives clash, the key is to understand each viewpoint. Listen attentively to all involved, showing empathy without picking sides. This isn’t about quick fixes but understanding motivations and concerns. Finding common ground and recognizing the value each side offers are crucial. This understanding lays the groundwork for resolving differences and advancing together.

Creative departments abound with egos which can make it a landmine for potential conflict. First, I'd assess who the conflict is with— if it's a peer versus a superior. The reality is, if it's your boss, you may have to sit this one out or face repercussions for voicing your dissent. If it's a peer, I'd say have a conversation and listen deeply before reacting. Sometimes the way in which thoughts are worded or spoken aren't the reality and when you engage in a face-to-face, more of those layers are revealed. Find the common ground, and move on. If the clash is rooted in an —ism (sexism, racism, etc), call it out in the room (if you're in a position and are able to do so) and then talk to HR.

This happens all the time…and it’s a good thing. We want our best and brightest creative people to go at it. That is how the best ideas are developed honed. Of course we don’t want chaos, and we want them themselves to keep the tone civil, but we certainly want them fighting for the ideas they think are the best. Bring it on!

It's helpful to have an coworker who isn't involved in the project act as a mediator. Their role is simply to help foster understanding and respectfulness in the process, where more connected parties may not be able to do so.

A strong creative department should actually be a collective of diverse voices. Homogeneity is hte death of ground-breaking creative because it's just more of the same. Fostering a team dynamic where everyone's opinions feel heard and valued while ensuring the team is all pointed in the same direction is key.

Encourage team members to express their ideas and concerns respectfully, like Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak who had differing opinions but valued each other's input at Apple. Identify common goals: Focus on shared objectives to align the team. Use a neutral third party to facilitate discussions, as Google does with its People Analytics team, helping to maintain fairness and ensure all voices are heard. Treat conflicts as opportunities for learning and growth, like Pixar's "Braintrust" meetings where filmmakers provide honest feedback to improve their projects. Regularly assess the impact of resolutions on the workplace dynamic, adapting strategies as needed, just as Amazon does with its continuous improvement culture.